It's not uncommon for teams to re-shuffle their two-way players following preseason, and the Minnesota Timberwolves might do just that. Second-year guard Tristen Newton is currently on a two-way contract, and his preseason was far from impressive.
In five games, Newton averaged 13.4 minutes, 5.2 points, 1.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.4 turnovers on 38.8/33.3/75 shooting splits. His poor play, paired with Johnny Juzang showing out in preseason play, makes Newton's spot uncertain.
Tristen Newton could be waived to make room for Johnny Juzang
Juzang averaged 13.8 on 48.2 percent shooting from beyond the arc. The UCLA product is on a non-guaranteed roster spot, but his knockdown shooting makes him worthy of a roster spot to some degree. The tricky thing is that Minnesota is hovering around the second apron, and Juzang likely won't crack the rotation despite his knack for shooting. As a result, the Wolves might look to convert him to a two-way contract and waive Newton in the process.
When comparing the two players, Juzang's shooting gives him a clear bankable skill, which is a massive advantage. What exactly is Newton's bankable NBA skill, defense perhaps? Furthermore, Juzang averaged 19.8 minutes per game last year with the Utah Jazz, proving he can be a rotational-level player. Despite entering his fourth season, while Newton is entering his second year, both players are 24, so it's not like Newton has more upside either.
Newton's underwhelming preseason is paired with shooting below 40 percent in the G League last season. The UConn product is a solid perimeter defender, but there's not much evidence that he can contribute at an NBA level.
Minnesota may also look to waive Enrique Freeman, who also had a quiet preseason, if they do indeed convert Juzang to a two-way deal. However, Freeman was signed this summer, and with Bones Hyland in the mix, Newton's path to carving out a role is even slimmer.
Even if the Wolves decide to keep Juzang on a standard deal (or move on from him, entirely, which isn't likely), Newton could still be waived. There are some intriguing options on the open market, including Jared Rhoden, Jared Butler, Ulrich Chomche, and Chris Livingston.
Ultimately, it's not a guarantee that the Wolves part ways with Newton. However, his preseason did little to inspire confidence about his chances of staying in Minnesota, especially with Juzang's stellar play and the number of options on the market.