Minnesota Timberwolves have secured the services of Jaden McDaniels with a long-term one-year, $40 million contract extension, while the Milwaukee Bucks have waived Kevin Porter Jr. as they finalise their roster ahead of the 2026-27 NBA season.
The two moves highlight contrasting approaches to the new campaign, with Minnesota rewarding a key defensive contributor and Milwaukee making room for younger players following significant changes to its roster during the offseason.
McDaniels’ extension will keep him in Minnesota through the 2029-30 season, reinforcing his position as a central figure in the Timberwolves’ plans alongside star guard Anthony Edwards.
The 25-year-old forward is entering his seventh NBA season after establishing himself as one of the league’s reliable two-way players. His latest contract comes after a career-best campaign in which he improved his offensive production while maintaining his defensive impact.
Meanwhile, Milwaukee’s decision to release Porter comes despite the guard’s impressive statistical contribution last season. Injuries restricted him to 38 appearances, but he still finished as the team’s leading assists provider and second-highest scorer.
McDaniels rewarded after career-best season
McDaniels averaged 14.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game last season, shooting 51.5 per cent from the field and an impressive 41.2 per cent from three-point range.
He also recorded 1.3 steals and 1.0 blocks per game, making him one of only eight players in the league to average at least one steal and one block per contest during the campaign.
Those numbers underline his value as a versatile defender capable of guarding multiple positions while contributing efficiently at the offensive end.
Minnesota selected McDaniels with the 28th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. The Los Angeles Lakers initially drafted him before trading his rights to the Oklahoma City Thunder on draft night. He subsequently moved to Minnesota in another transaction two days later.
He has spent his entire NBA career with the Timberwolves, developing into an important member of the team’s core as they continue to build around Edwards.
The extension adds another year to his existing contract and provides Minnesota with greater certainty over its roster beyond the next three seasons. The additional $40 million is for the 2029-30 campaign.
McDaniels’ continued development will be important to the Timberwolves as they pursue greater consistency in their challenge for the Western Conference title. His defensive versatility and improved shooting make him a valuable complement to Edwards, who remains the franchise’s leading offensive figure.
Bucks release Porter amid backcourt changes
Milwaukee, meanwhile, has opted to part ways with Porter as it prepares for a new era following the departure of two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Porter averaged 17.4 points, 7.4 assists, 5.2 rebounds and 2.2 steals per game last season. Despite missing a significant portion of the campaign through injury, he remained one of the Bucks’ most productive players when available.
His release comes after Milwaukee acquired additional backcourt options during the offseason, creating increased competition for playing time.
The Bucks received guard Tyler Herro and rookie Kasparas Jakučionis as part of the trade that sent Antetokounmpo and forward Bobby Portis to the Miami Heat. The deal also brought forward Jaime Jaquez Jr., centre Kel’el Ware and additional draft assets to Milwaukee.
The franchise subsequently selected guard Brayden Burries with the 10th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, further increasing its options in the backcourt.
Burries and Jakučionis are expected to benefit from Porter’s departure, with the two young guards competing for opportunities alongside Herro and returning guard Ryan Rollins.
Herro, a 2025 All-Star, is among the players expected to shoulder greater responsibility as Milwaukee reshapes its identity following Antetokounmpo’s exit.
Porter’s release also concludes his immediate spell with the Bucks after a season in which his production suggested he could remain a valuable offensive contributor.
Milwaukee opens its 2026-27 campaign against the Washington Wizards on Wednesday, October 21, with the roster changes expected to influence the team’s backcourt rotation from the outset.
While Minnesota has prioritised continuity by extending McDaniels, Milwaukee has chosen to create opportunities for younger players as it begins its first season without Antetokounmpo.
