The Timberwolves are bringing back restricted free agent point guard Jordan McLaughlin on another two-way contract, per Shams Charania of the Athletic (via Twitter). Today was the deadline for him to accept his qualifying offer, which is equivalent to a two-way deal.
McLaughlin’s play as a rookie on a two-way deal during the 2019/20 season could have qualified him for a promotion to a standard deal this season, but Charania notes that McLaughlin opted to bet on himself and reach restricted free agency again in 2021.
In 19.7 MPG across his 30 games with the Timberwolves, the 5’11” McLaughlin averaged 7.6 PPG and 4.2 APG on .489/.382/.667 shooting last year. He previously spent the 2018/19 season with Brooklyn’s G League affiliate, the Long Island Nets after going undrafted out of USC in 2018.
In 2019/20, McLaughlin also played 23 games for Minnesota’s G League affiliate, the Iowa Wolves. McLaughlin averaged 16.7 PPG, 6.1 APG, 4.5 RPG, and 2.3 SPG on .502/.352/.750 shooting in 31.4 MPG for Iowa.
According to Darren Wolfson of 5 Eyewitness News (Twitter link), McLaughlin could have made more money in the immediate future by agreeing to a standard contract, which the Timberwolves had offered. However, it would’ve been a team-friendly multiyear deal with non-guaranteed years and/or a team option.
Having accepted another two-way contract, McLaughlin will be eligible next summer for a qualifying offer that will be equivalent to a partially guaranteed one-year deal.
McLaughlin had been the final restricted free agent on the 2020 market, so only unrestricted FAs remain unsigned.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
.3 blks. 2.3 assists. would of been crazy seeing him block that many shots.
Yes! Good news, love seeing us bring him back.
He’s a good depth piece in case of injury, and he will be motivated to play well.
Good deal for the Wolves. Solid 3rd PG. I like how he bet on himself. This could be a win win situation.
Happy to have him back. A little bummed that our guard rotation has grown to where he might not see many minutes to show development; however, having too many at least “serviceable” guards does not feel like a bad thing.
Like that he bet on himself too. I know the comparison isn’t perfect, but I have been a big fan of FVV since he’s been in the league and if J-Mac can get near that level of success by betting on himself, then good on him.
I expected this. He had 0 leverage for them to give him a standard deal. And if they did offer one, they probably would of given him a 4 year(like dort).