3 Timberwolves who hurt their contract value in 2023-24
By Austin McGee
2. Jordan McLaughlin
Almost a cheap shot here—Jordan McLaughlin made just $2.4 million as a third-string point guard a season ago. The 27-year-old guard is a reliable rotational point guard, but he's not a dynamic reserve by any means.
McLaughlin holds averages of 4.4 points and 3.1 assists per game throughout his career. An inconsistent shooter, the former USC Trojan shot 30.8 percent from downtown in 2022-23, then 47.2 percent a season ago. His best shooting seasons have come as a rookie and as a fifth-year pro.
Oddly enough, McLaughin's best season was his rookie year. As a 23-year-old, he averaged 7.6 points and 4.2 assists in 19.7 minutes per game. That season Minnesota only won 19 games and Towns appeared in just 35 contests.
In the 2024-25 season, McLaughlin might not make an NBA roster if Minnesota doesn't re-sign him. He's tied for the second-longest tenured Timberwolf, but Minnesota may opt to fill McLaughlin's roster spot with a younger player.
The Timberwolves hold two selections in this month's draft. Seemingly making McLaughlin's roster spot more expendable, Minnesota recently worked out a few point guard prospects who will likely be available in the second round—KJ Simpson and Ajay Mitchell.
It's not entirely right to say the veteran guard decreased his value in the 2023-24 season. But with more than ample opportunity to prove he's a serviceable backup, McLaughlin never really stood out.