Timberwolves sign Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels to rookie contracts

On Wednesday, the Timberwolves signed first-round picks Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels to their rookie contracts.

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On Wednesday, the Minnesota Timberwolves signed first-round picks Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels to their rookie contracts, the team announced in a press release.

Edwards, the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA draft, was named the SEC Freshman of the Year after averaging 19.1 points and 5.2 rebounds in 32 games at Georgia. He also shot 40.2% from the field, including 29.4% from 3-point range.

The 19-year-old was the second No. 1 pick in Timberwolves history, joining Karl-Anthony Towns, who was the top selection in 2015. He became the second Bulldogs player to be selected in the top five, joining Dominique Wilkins, who was the third pick in 1983.

Meanwhile, the Timberwolves acquired McDaniels, the 28th pick, from the Oklahoma City Thunder along with Ricky Rubio in exchange for the draft rights to No. 17 overall pick Aleksej Pokuševski and forward James Johnson.

McDaniels averaged 13 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.4 blocks last season at Washington while shooting 33.9% from 3-point range. He was the only player in any of the major conferences to average at least 1.4 blocks and 1.4 3-pointers made per game.

The two players figure to give the Timberwolves additional weapons next to Towns and D’Angelo Russell next season as the team attempts to return to the playoffs.

Minnesota begins preseason play on Dec. 12 vs. the Memphis Grizzlies.

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