Timberwolves sign Josh Minott to four-year, $6.8M rookie deal

The Timberwolves are signing forward Josh Minott to a four-year, $6.8 million rookie deal, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic. Minott was originally selected No. 45 overall by the Hornets last month, then was traded to Minnesota on the night of the draft.

Before declaring for the event, Minott played one season at Memphis, averaging 6.6 points and 3.8 rebounds per game. The 19-year-old also shot 52% from the field, playing an average of 14.6 minutes per contest.

At 6-foot-8 and notably athletic, Minott has the potential to be a combo forward and excel on both ends. He can still improve his shooting — he made only two in 33 games last season — but that typically isn’t more pressing than work ethic, athleticism and size for young, developing players.

The Timberwolves also recently signed veteran guard Austin Rivers and still have an open roster spot to use. The team expects to compete for a title in the coming years, especially after adding Rudy Gobert to a core that already includes D’Angelo Russell, Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns. Minott will be able to learn from a blend of young players and veterans during his rookie season.