Timberwolves' new two-way player pining for return to the NBA

After going undrafted in 2022 out of UCLA, Jules Bernard eventually found his way into the NBA. Signing a two-way contract in December of 2023 with the Washington Wizards, he would receive action in 19 NBA games that season.

Two seasons later, Bernard is looking for a return to NBA play. He took the first step towards reaching that goal by agreeing to a two-way deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday.

Takes two-way spot that opened after Timberwolves waived Johnny Juzang

The Timberwolves recently opened up a two-way slot by waiving Johnny Juzang. He was just one game away from his 50-game maximum allotted to be with the NBA club while on a two-way, so instead of signing him to a standard deal, they waived him.

Standing at 6-foot-6, Bernard has spent the entire season playing for the Iowa Wolves in the G League. After not being the most efficient scorer in the Tip-Off Tournament, Bernard has shot much better during the regular season. In 24 regular season outings, he is averaging 25.1 points with shooting splits of 43.9/39.1/84.2. The shooting guard also has averages of 6.4 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 1.1 steals. 

Bernard played for the Timberwolves in the preseason after signing an Exhibit 10 deal with them. He got in five games and averaged 6.2 points before being waived. The California native would be assigned to Iowa.

In his 19 games with the Wizards in 2023-24, Bernard averaged 3.9 points and 1.4 rebounds. On March 19, 2024, Bernard scored 16 points in a loss to the Houston Rockets.

Two-way players have barely been utilized by the Timberwolves

While it’s a feel-good moment to see Bernard earn another two-way contract, Minnesota has rarely utilized their two-way players in NBA games. Yes, Juzang was with the NBA club for 49 games, but only saw action in 21 of those with the majority of his time coming when the game wasn’t in question.

Enrique Freeman and 2025 second round pick Rocco Zikarsky have been their other two-way players all season. Neither made an appearance for the Timberwolves until February. Freeman has played in two games (February 8 and 11) while Zikarsky made his NBA debut and still lone Timberwolves appearance on February 22.

Still, it can be seen as a promotion for Bernard regardless of how much he plays for Minnesota. Here’s to hoping he can get in at least one NBA game for the first time in two seasons.