Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

Timberwolves Coach Sends Regretful Message After Player Release

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Rex Villas | Last updated Feb 20, 2026 5:30 AM ET

The Minnesota Timberwolves decided to let go of Johnny Juzang just before the start of the second half of their 2025-26 NBA campaign. On Wednesday, Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic reported Minnesota's decision to part ways with the former UCLA Bruins star, which drew a response from head coach Chris Finch.

“You know, as a two-way I think regrettably we kind of burned through the games early on," Finch told reporters on Thursday, via Andrew Dukowitz of Zone Coverage.

"He has a high-level skill, being able to shoot the ball. He’s played enough NBA minutes that I’m sure he’s going to continue to have opportunities somewhere else, maybe down the road that’s here. He was nothing but a great pro and a joy to coach every single day,” added Finch.

The 24-year-old Juzang had exhausted the 50-game limit for players on two-way contracts, and if Minnesota wanted to retain him, it would have had to sign him to the team’s 15-man roster.

San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) blocks out Minnesota Timberwolves guard Johnny Juzang (9). Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn ImagesDaniel Dunn-Imagn Images

That clearly was not what the Timberwolves did, as they instead opted to release him.

In the 21 games he played this season with Minnesota, Juzang averaged 2 points, 0.8 rebounds and 0.3 assists per 4.2 minutes while shooting just 42.1 percent from the floor.

Juzang entered the league in 2022 as an undrafted player and signed a two-way contract with the Utah Jazz. He played three seasons with the Jazz, during which he averaged 7.9 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.0 assists while making 42.1 percent of his attempts from the field.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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