Timberwolves center Jesse Edwards has signed a one-year contract with Melbourne United of Australia’s National Basketball League, the team announced on Tuesday in a press release.
Edwards said he’s “very excited” to be joining the team, while Melbourne United head coach Dean Vickerman reciprocated that enthusiasm.
“Looking at our final import spot, we wanted to bring in someone that was an elite rim protector, which Jesse has been across his college and pro career so far,” Vickerman said. “We think he’s got great length, really good timing and elite defensive instincts. He’s also got the mobility to get out and play with pace, which really suits what we’re wanting to do this year.
“He can live above the rim, and I think our crowd is going to love it. He’s a great lob threat, and we’ve got the guards to put the ball in the perfect place for him to make big plays. I really believe he’s an NBA player, and it’s really exciting to have both he and Tyson Walker as young, talented imports that are at their athletic peaks.”
A Dutch seven-footer who played his college ball at Syracuse and West Virginia, Edwards joined the Timberwolves on a two-way deal last July after going undrafted. The 25-year-old appeared in just two NBA games, but played a major role for the Iowa Wolves in the G League, averaging 11.9 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks in 25.1 minutes per game across 34 total outings.
Edwards was tendered a two-way qualifying offer by the Timberwolves last month and immediately accepted it. However, reporting earlier this month indicated that the big man was expected to be waived by Minnesota as Tristen Newton signed his own qualifying offer to return to fill the team’s third and final two-way slot alongside Enrique Freeman and Rocco Zikarsky.
Neither the signing of Newton nor the release of Edwards has been officially confirmed by the team or the league, but Edwards’ agreement with Melbourne United is the latest indication that he won’t be back with the Wolves.