The Timberwolves Find An Underrated Wing In Free Agency

The Timberwolves Find An Underrated Wing In Free Agency originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

With Donte DiVincenzo's recent injury, concerns were raised regarding the team's guard rotation. Anthony Edwards and Mike Conley Jr. are still the likely backcourt starters, but the depth behind them was getting a bit thin. Nickeil Alexander-Walker's exit was a significant blow for the team, so they upgraded from within.

Terrence Shannon Jr. will play a bigger role in the 2025-26 season, but since the team lost Alexander-Walker, they needed more depth in the wing positions. That is where new signing Johnny Juzang comes into the picture, as he signed a one-year contract with the Timberwolves on Friday, August 1.

Juzang is a low-risk, high-reward type of signing, as he won't play many games, but he has proven he can hang around the NBA. During the 2024-25 season, he averaged 8.9 points per game on 37.6% from three. That is a promising sign, as he can take and hit his shots when needed.

The Timberwolves' young wings, Shannon and Jaylen Clark, are strong defensively and in transition. However, they are not the most efficient three-point shooters, so Juzang could probably sneak into the rotation if he impresses head coach Chris Finch. He will be a great player for the shooting guard or small forward positions, considering he stands at 6'7".

Juzang Fits Well Into The Timberwolves' Rotation

As a backup option for Edwards and Jaden McDaniels, Juzang could be a steal for the Timberwolves. He is on a one-year contract, which means he will be motivated to perform to the best of his abilities. He would love to prove himself and carve out a long-term role for himself in Minnesota.

Every NBA team would love an assortment of wing players, and Juzang is one of the prototypical wings. He has upside as a shooter, and his size helps him be a decent defender for most matchups.

Free agent guard Johnny Juzang has agreed to a one-year deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves, sources tell ESPN. Juzang played his first three NBA seasons in Utah and averaged 8.9 points and 38% 3-point shooting in 19.8 minutes per game in 2024-25.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 1, 2025

With Finch and the Timberwolves' assistant coaches being known for strong development, this could be a good sign for Juzang. It will be up to him to impress everyone within the organization in the 2025-26 season. He will do his best to seize every opportunity, as that is the way to win the most games possible.

Juzang Is Not The Only New Addition The Timberwolves Made

Since the Timberwolves had an open two-way contract spot, they made another signing on Friday morning. They signed forward Enrique Freeman on a two-way NBA contract, which comes after his promising performance in the NBA Summer League. He was a second-round pick by the Indiana Pacers in 2024, but he never got the opportunity to shine with the Pacers.

“Biggest goal is to get a contract and be a steady NBA player. That’s my biggest goal.”

Former Pacers two-way contract forward Enrique Freeman reflects on his first pro season in Indianapolis, experiencing the NBA Finals, advices he got from the vets and being a free agent. pic.twitter.com/rScjz8fdY1

— Spencer Davies (@SpinDavies) August 1, 2025

Now, he finds himself landing with another powerhouse team with the Timberwolves. He is accustomed to being the underdog after having to be a walk-on at the University of Akron. Now, he is with the Timberwolves, where he could get rewarded for his hard work behind the scenes.

It will be a challenging time to break into the Timberwolves' rotation. With good performances in practice and for the G-League affiliate team Iowa Wolves, Freeman could find his new home in Minnesota. These two signings are not the biggest chances for the Timberwolves, but they have enough upside for the fans to get excited about.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 1, 2025, where it first appeared.