JULY 5: Garza’s new contract with the Wolves is now official, per the NBA’s transaction log.
JULY 1: Luka Garza will return to the Timberwolves on a two-year contract, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski (Twitter link). It’ll be a minimum-salary deal, per Chris Hine of The Star Tribune.
The 25-year-old center saw limited playing time in 25 games last season, averaging 4.0 points and 1.2 rebounds in 4.9 minutes per night. He’s stuck behind Rudy Gobert, Karl-Anthony Towns and Naz Reid in Minnesota’s frontcourt.
Garza was one of the top players in college basketball at Iowa in 2021, but he wasn’t drafted until the 52nd pick because of concerns about how his game might translate to the NBA.
He spent his first season with Detroit, then joined the Wolves in 2022 on a two-way contract that was converted to a standard deal in April.
While Garza hasn’t seen a ton of playing time at the NBA level, he has excelled in the G League, averaging 31.4 points and 10.2 rebounds per game with a .618/.442/.778 shooting line for the Iowa Wolves in 18 NBAGL outings over the past two seasons.
The agreement with Garza leaves Minnesota with five remaining free agents: Kyle Anderson, Monte Morris, T.J. Warren, Jordan McLaughlin and Daishen Nix.
I actually think this dude has value on certain teams, and could have a bigger role, next to the right players, at the 5. He does certain things that are valuable in today’s NBA, and you can hide his deficiencies in certain lineups/matchups
He’s got too much talent to lose. Big win for Timberwolves.
Best form in the league, straight bucket.
Luka is basically Christian Wood. He can fill a stat sheet but needs to keep working on his defense.
Don’t call him Christian Wood. Wood is a hot hot and this kid is humble. He needs minutes though and G league isn’t what I mean.
Just gotta get Daishen back too best bench cheerleader in the league sorry Thanasis and Bronny
Best Bench hype man in the league
Happy to have Garza back. Probably the best last man off the bench in the league.
Luke Garza moves faster than Slow Mo. Facts.
Explain to me how Garza wasn’t drafted until pick 52, and then 3 years later, Edey gets drafted at 9 overall with virtually the same play style? Is there something I’m missing?
Don’t get me wrong. I don’t Believe that edey will last in the NBA(unless he loses weight), but there is a big significant difference from 7’3 to 6’9. And also garza can’t guard a pylon.
There is no difference supposedly. Everyone on this site love wingspan. Nate Robinson could play center in this weak era. Tired of 6’9 midget centers
and still makes more than caitlin.smh. mvps!
Comments like this frustrate me. For years the NBA has kept the WNBA afloat. They own half the league and provide millions of dollars annually. The reason the women get paid what they do is cause nobody attends games or supports the league. It’s a revenue based business. Create revenue and the salary’s will increase accordingly.
He’s beloved in Minny for his energetic play style and all-out hustle. I love the guy! We fill Target Center with chants, so we’re all thrilled he’s coming back.
He’s still in the league?
I’d like to see a little more play creation from him. I feel like when he gets the ball, he feels he needs to make the shot.
Yes, he comes in with all bench players and probably should be making a lot of the shots, but I think he could get more minutes if he steps up team play in those moments.
When he happens to be playing with starters, he’s not the one taking the shot. With bottom 4, he’ll be the one shooting… not hard for other teams to strategize around that.