Now in his fourth NBA season, Jaden McDaniels has established himself as one of the better two-way players in the NBA. He currently plays as a combo forward for the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Born in Federal Way, Washington, McDaniels attended Federal Way High School, where he graduated as a five-star prospect. His brother Jalen McDaniels also graduated as an overall four-star prospect and now plays for the Toronto Raptors.
After an excellent high school career, McDaniels attended the University of Washington and performed well in his freshman season, averaging 13.0 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.4 blocks, while shooting 40.5% from the field. After just one college season, McDaniels declared for the 2020 NBA Draft, where he was picked 28th overall by the Los Angeles Lakers. However, he was traded to the OKC Thunder on draft night and then to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Given his performances in recent seasons, McDaniels was rewarded with a five-year $131 million contract with the Timberwolves in October 2023. This contract will be effective from the 2024/25 season.
Jaden McDaniels Height
Jaden McDaniels is 6 feet 9 inches tall. He boasts exceptional stature for his position as a small forward. He has great agility for his size and is known for his defense on opposition’s best perimeter players.
Jaden McDaniels Weight
Weighing at 185 pounds (84 kg), McDaniels is relatively lean for someone who is just three inches short of seven feet. Despite the slight lack of mass, McDaniels doesn’t hesitate to play physical when under or close to the rim and compliments his play with versatility and quickness.
His light but solid build allows him to easily run up and down the court, and finish through contact around the rim. Though some added weight and muscle will bolster his overall strength and scoring potential, he is still a capable talent nonetheless.
Jaden McDaniels Wingspan
McDaniels’ 7 foot wingspan helps him defend the perimeter, protect the rim, and get steals by blocking passing lanes. Moreover, McDaniels’ reach helps him to get better stability when shooting beyond the arc, finishing at the rim and blocking/contesting shots.
Since being drafted in 2020, McDaniels has evolved into a solid starter for the Timberwolves. Alongside the likes of Anthony Edwards, Karl-Anthony Towns and Ruby Gobert, he will be looking to make deep postseason runs with Minnesota in the coming seasons.
FAQs on Jaden McDaniels
A. Born on September 29, 2000, McDaniels is 23 years old as of January 2024.
A. McDaniels was born in Seattle, Washington.
A. McDaniels is set to earn $3.9 million for the 2023/24 season.
A. McDaniels wears jersey No. 3 for the Timberwolves.
