The Minnesota Timberwolves have signed former San Diego State forward Jaedon LeDee to an Exhibit 10 contract, per HoopsHype insider Michael Scotto. Of note, the Timberwolves have one two-way spot remaining on their roster.
LeDee, 25, was not among the 58 players selected in the 2024 NBA Draft. However, he had an excellent 2023-24 campaign as a fifth-year senior, averaging 21.4 points and 8.4 rebounds per game for the Aztecs.
The Minnesota Timberwolves have agreed to an Exhibit 10 deal with Jaedon LeDee, league sources told @hoopshype. LeDee played with Minnesota in Summer League. At San Diego State, LeDee won the 2024 Karl Malone Award, awarded to the best power forward in the nation. pic.twitter.com/NWDRefz3tm
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) September 18, 2024
As a reward for his play, LeDee won the 2024 Karl Malone Award winner, an honor given to the best power forward in college basketball. In 2023, Golden State Warriors stud Trayce Jackson-Davis won the award. In 2022, Sacramento Kings cornerstone Keegan Murray was the winner.
To that point, though the Karl Malone Award isn’t a predictor of success, recent history suggests that LeDee is a diamond in the rough.
Timberwolves Sign Jaedon LeDee, Can He Stick As Two-Way?
Because LeDee wasn’t invited to the 2024 NBA Draft Combine, his real measurements may be different from what’s officially listed.
As it currently stands, the Houston native is 6-foot-9 and 240 pounds. Looking at him on film, it’s not hard to believe, as he possesses a prototypical NBA frame. Where the Combine would’ve truly helped is in assessments of his athleticism though. LeDee doesn’t seem to be overly quick or explosive; timing his agility and vertical would’ve been beneficial.
Yet, he’s definitely skilled. A three-level scorer, the Texan is comfortable scoring with his back to the basket, pulling up in the midrange, and spotting up behind the line. Furthermore, a player leading his conference in points per game is no small matter.
In the NBA, he may be asked to play a reduced, small-ball stretch-four role. This is less because of his ability to than the nature of modern NBA offenses. On top of that, a team as deep as the Timberwolves already has multiple go-to scorers. However, LeDee made 44.4 percent of his 3-point attempts in 2023-24.
If he can remain efficient while improving his volume, he could have a long career with just that skill alone.
His Potential Fit With Timberwolves
In examining the Timberwolves’ roster, they don’t necessarily need a rotation-caliber stretch-four per se. Karl-Anthony Towns and Naz Reid have both made over 36 percent of their 3s over the past two seasons. Yet, Reid made just 34.4 percent of his career 3s heading into 2023-24. Defensive stud Jaden McDaniels is a career 35.4 percent 3-point shooter.
In addition, LeDee’s impact on the boards and defensive upside aren’t to be ignored. Strong, sturdy, and physical are all adjectives that can be used to describe his game. He’s better at guarding in space than Reid, Towns, or Joe Ingles. He’s also attentive, focused not just on hounding his man but his technique.
Ultimately, he could be just what the doctor ordered in Minnesota.
