With training camp starting tomorrow (Monday, September 29), the Minnesota Timberwolves made a minor move, signing Alize Johnson. The 29-year-old forward is only on a one-year, training camp deal.
Free agent forward Alize Johnson has agreed to a one-year deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves, George S. Langberg of GSL Sports Group tells ESPN. The five-year NBA veteran will have the opportunity to compete in Timberwolves training camp.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 28, 2025
At the time of this writing, it hasn't been confirmed if this is an Exhibit 10 contract. However, that feels likely, paving the way for Johnson to join the Wolves G League squad if he doesn't make the roster.
Johnson has spent five years in the NBA, playing for the Indiana Pacers, Brooklyn Nets, Chicago Bulls, Washington Wizards, New Orleans Pelicans, and San Antonio Spurs. He was previously the 50th overall pick back in 2019.
The 6-foot-7 forward last played for the Spurs in the 2022-23 season. Last season, Johnson played for the Kawasaki Brave Thunders in Japan's B.League. Johnson averaged 12.7 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 4.1 assists in Japan.
For his NBA career, Johnson has posted 2.5 points and 3 rebounds. Johnson is most known for his knack for hustle and rebounding. Impressively, Johnson recorded a 21-rebound game with the Nets back in 2021. While this move is minor, it's also somewhat surprising that the Wolves didn't target a younger player, as they did with their other training camp deals.
Johnson will compete for a roster spot with the Wolves
The Wolves technically do have an open roster spot. Nevertheless, Johnny Juzang is the clear frontrunner to earn it. If Juzang doesn't earn this roster spot, the Wolves are likely to keep this final roster spot open for some much-needed extra final flexibility. Regardless, Johnson now has a clear path to play with the Iowa Wolves G League squad.
Johnson joins Juzang, CJ Fulton, and Nate Santos on the Wolves training camp roster. It feels likely that Johnson, Fulton, and Santos will play with the Iowa squad this season. Juzang could join them if he doesn't make the final roster. However, it's a real possibility that Juzang would be on a two-way contract, and the Wolves would re-shuffle their two-way players in this scenario.
Currently, rookie Rocco Zikarsky, and second-year players Enrique Freeman and Trsiten Newton make up the Wolves' two-way players.
Ultimately, signing Johnson is a minor move that likely won't impact the Minnesota squad much. Nevertheless, it highlights the organization's affinity for defensive-minded players with versatile skill sets. Last season, the Iowa Wolves had a league-worst 7-27 record. Perhaps Johnson (and others) will help turn the team around.