Timberwolves sign Isaiah Evans to four-year, $9.3M deal
The Minnesota Timberwolves signed rookie guard Isaiah Evans to a four-year, $9.3 million contract on Sunday, securing the No. 33 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. The deal includes three fully guaranteed seasons and a fourth-year team option, giving Minnesota long-term control of a Duke shooter acquired through a four-team trade. The move locks in cost-controlled depth at shooting guard as the Wolves round out their roster ahead of training camp.
Key Takeaways
- Evans agreed to a four-year, $9.3 million pact with three guaranteed years and a team option in year four.
- Minnesota used the second-round pick exception to sign the 6-foot-6 Duke wing selected 33rd overall.
- His signing was delayed until a four-team trade involving the Nets was finalized on Friday.
- Evans had four points and five rebounds in his Summer League debut on Saturday.
- The Wolves still need at least one more player to reach the NBA 14-man training camp minimum.
What are the contract details for Isaiah Evans?
According to the Pioneer Press, Evans' deal is worth $9.3 million over four seasons, with the first three years fully guaranteed and a team option on the fourth. It is the type of second-round contract that gives the player long-term security while keeping annual costs well below a veteran minimum salary.
Hoops Rumors reported year-by-year salaries of $1.36 million in 2026-27, $2.29 million in 2027-28, $2.69 million in 2028-29, and a $2.92 million team option for 2029-30. The Timberwolves used the second-round pick exception to complete the signing.
Who is Isaiah Evans and why did Minnesota target him?
Evans played two seasons at Duke, averaging 15.0 points and 3.2 rebounds as a sophomore on a .433/.361/.860 shooting line. He earned third-team All-ACC honors and was regarded as one of the top shooters in the 2026 draft, converting 38.0% from three over his college career.
Why was the signing delayed until Sunday?
The team announced the deal after a four-team trade was not made official until Friday. The Brooklyn Nets had drafted Evans on Minnesota's behalf, which postponed his contract signing and kept him out of the Wolves' Summer League opener on Friday.
He debuted Saturday in Las Vegas against Denver, finishing with four points on 2-for-15 shooting, five rebounds, one assist, and one block in 26 minutes.
What does this mean for Minnesota's roster?
Evans fills one roster spot, but the Wolves still need at least one more addition before training camp to reach the league minimum of 14 players. For more on how innovation is reshaping sports and beyond, see our Future Tech & AI Wonders coverage.