The Minnesota Timberwolves didn’t just draft Isaiah Evans and call it a day. They gave him real money and real security — a four-year, $9.3 million contract with three fully guaranteed years and a team option on the fourth, per Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
That’s a meaningful commitment for the 33rd pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Most second-rounders get partial guarantees or two-way deals. Evans walked away with three locked-in seasons and a front office that clearly believes he can contribute sooner than later.
Evans comes off an All-ACC season at Duke, where he flashed the shooting and off-ball instincts that made him a target for Minnesota in the second round. He’s not a splashy name, but the Timberwolves aren’t treating him like a throwaway pick. They see a guard who can develop into reliable depth behind a backcourt that just got a major shakeup.
Ball Trade Reshapes the Depth Chart
A few days ago, the Timberwolves pulled off the trade that sent LaMelo Ball from Charlotte to Minnesota. That move immediately changes the pecking order at guard. Ball joins a rotation that already includes Ayo Dosunmu and Bones Hyland, so Evans won’t be asked to carry minutes right away. But the organization likes his long-term fit as a combo guard who can play off the ball.
Head coach Chris Finch didn’t hide what the Ball addition means for Anthony Edwards. Last season, Edwards logged heavy on-ball minutes out of necessity. Finch admitted that wasn’t ideal.
“Last year, we did Anthony a little bit of a disservice, not intentionally. But we played him on the ball a lot. I think it was good for him in many ways, but also it was limiting for us. By necessity, we did that; we now get him to his natural position, and not only that, we get a great player alongside of him,” Finch said.
That natural position is off the ball, where Edwards can attack mismatches and spot up rather than constantly initiating. Ball’s playmaking should unlock more of that. Evans, as a shooter and secondary ball-handler, fits neatly into that same framework down the road.
Still Chasing LeBron?
The Timberwolves might not be done yet. According to reports, they remain in the mix for LeBron James, which would obviously shift everything again. Nothing is close on that front, but the fact that Minnesota is even mentioned suggests they’re not treating this offseason as finished business.
For now, the focus is on the roster they have. Evans is signed. Ball is coming. Edwards shifts to a role that better suits him. And the Timberwolves are betting that a second-round pick from Duke can be part of something bigger than most teams would expect from that slot.
Leave a Comment