The Minnesota Timberwolves have numerous major decisions this offseason, particularly regarding how they opt to upgrade the roster around Anthony Edwards. However, one decision that isn't getting a lot of buzz is Jaden McDaniels' possible extension (shout-out to the Dane Moore podcast for reminding me that this is a possibility).
McDaniels is eligible for a two-year, $87 million extension toward the end of the offseason -- October 1 to be exact. It might be late in the offseason, and it might not be discussed a whole lot right now, but deciding whether to extend McDaniels will be a major decision for Minnesota.Â
Giving McDaniels this two-year extension would ensure that he's under contract until 2031. Paying McDaniels $42 million in 2029-30 and $45 million in 2030-31 certainly seems hefty. For reference, he is making $26.2 million annually on his current contract.
Regardless, just about everyone can agree that this current deal is excellent value given McDaniels' two-way impact. At the time, though, it was a controversial contract. The Wolves could make a similar gamble on McDaniels by extending him, as they internally believe he has another level to reach. It would be a gamble, though, there's no debating that.
The case for extending McDaniels
If you've read a lot of my work before, you'd know that I'm a big proponent of McDaniels. As such, it might not shock you that I would lean toward extending McDaniels. A $43.5 million contract would make McDaniels the 29th highest-paid player in the league next year.Â
I would argue that McDaniels is a top-40-ish level player today. Thus, paying McDaniels $43.5 million a year isn't bad value by any means. And that's not even accounting for the very real possibility that McDaniels will improve.Â
McDaniels just averaged a career-best 14.8 points and rose to the occasion in the playoffs, averaging 16.3 points. Sure, that's not the second option level production that you'd want from a $43 million man. Nevertheless, it's essential to note that McDaniels wasn't empowered as a creator.
Entering his age-26 season, McDaniels could feasibly level up on offense.
Whether the Wolves trade for a traditional co-star or not, it's fair to expect Julius Randle to be shipped out and McDaniels to get a bigger role in the offense. There's a genuine possibility that McDaniels makes an All-Star leap, which would surely validate this possible extension.Â
Even if he generally stays the same, he provides similar two-way value to OG Anunoby, who makes $42.5 million a year, a deal that nobody argues is bad.
It's possible that getting a deal done proactively could save the Wolves money if he becomes a max-level player down the road.
The Wolves have been proven right for their staunch belief in McDaniels several times, and extending him this offseason could be another instance of this belief paying off.
The case against extending McDaniels
Having said all of that, extending him is a true gamble in the second apron era. It's tricky to have two players making $40-plus million a year with the looming threat of the apron and the need to have a deep team.
Even with only one player making $40 million a year, the Wolves are dangerously close to the second apron. The Wolves must consider these cap implications before throwing around money.
Edwards will be making even more money by the time McDaniels' possible extension kicks in, which could further complicate things. Now, league-wide cap space should increase by 2029, which could make things more tenable. Still, it's inherently a risk, particularly if McDaniels doesn't grow into a legitimate second option.
Undoubtedly, Tim Connelly will be facing a tricky decision with McDaniels' extension this October.
Add us as a preferred source on Google