Who’s up next? 2 extensions Pistons fans should hope aren’t signed

Who’s up next? 2 extensions Pistons fans should hope aren’t signed

Jaden McDaniels: Minnesota Timberwolves

I wouldn’t be surprised if McDaniels is the next player from the 2020 NBA Draft class who signs an extension.

Minnesota has made every indication that they want to keep him, but he’s about to get a major raise, so the big question will be whether they will be able to afford him.

McDaniels is also a very good two-way player who can protect the rim, defend on the perimeter and shoot, as he finished last season just under 40 percent from 3-point range.

He could play alongside any of the Pistons’ bigs, including Jalen Duren, and a lineup with him slotted in at power forward would potentially give Detroit the final piece of their young foundation.

Like Williams, McDaniels is only going to get better and already has a skill set that the Pistons need. He’s a fit, but we’ll have to see what it will take to get him, as he is set for a breakout season and could end up being one of the hottest free-agents on the market if he gets there.

With huge amounts of money tied up at the top of their payroll, Minnesota is going to have a hard time squeezing him in and staying under the second luxury apron, as they already have $139 million of guaranteed money going to just five players in the 2024-25 season.