Ahead of Wednesday's season opener and Saturday's non-guaranteed contract deadline, the Minnesota Timberwolves had to finalize their roster spot. Undoubtedly, Wolves fans were mainly focused on what would happen with Johnny Juzang, who was on an Exhibit-10 training camp deal. Juzang became a fan favorite during the preseason, and he will stay in Minnesota on a two-way contract.
To make room for Juzang, the Wolves waived second-year guard Tristen Newton. This move isn't much of a surprise, as the Wolves were always likely to keep a standard roster spot open for financial flexibility.
Newton seemed like the odd man out in the Wolves' two-way room as Minnesota signed Enrique Freeman this summer, and Rocco Zikarsky was a second-round pick this June. Furthermore, Newton didn't impress during the preseason or summer league.
Juzang had a stellar preseason, averaging 14.7 points and netting 57.9 percent of his 3-point attempts. Even still, keeping Juzang on a standard deal wouldn't be prudent given that the Wolves are hovering around the second apron, and he still is unlikely to crack the rotation. He will now get a chance to play for both Minnesota and the G League squad in Iowa.
Will Juzang play much with the Wolves?
As mentioned, Juzang isn't unlikely to crack the Wolves' rotation. However, expect him to get some situational minutes. Juzang is an elite shooter, netting 38.8 percent of his catch-and-shoot 3s with the Utah Jazz last season. This skill set, along with positional size, will earn Juzang some opportunities in Minnesota. At 24, the UCLA product also has solid upside.
Now these opportunities will likely come in blowouts and/or games when the Wolves are dealing with injuries. Regardless, Juzang's shooting makes him a seamless fit with anyone on the Wolves, and he played 19.8 minutes with the Jazz last year, proving he can contribute when called upon.
It's worth noting that two-way players can only play a maximum of 50 games. Juzang likely won't push this limit given the Wolves' loaded rotation. However, don't be surprised if he ends up playing in a fair amount of games and ultimately earns a standard roster spot later in the season.
Keeping one standard roster open before eventually converting a two-way player toward the end of the year is a common strategy in the second apron era. This allows the teams to have some financial wiggle room and avoid some dreaded tax penalties. Notably, two-way players are unable to play in the playoffs. Juzang is already the clear frontrunner to earn Minnesota's final standard roster spot come March or April.