The Minnesota Timberwolves have signed veteran forward T.J. Warren for the rest of the season, according to Shams Charania and Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic. Warren impressed the team during his two 10-day contracts and will provide depth while All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns remains sidelined with injury.
The 30-year-old Warren has battled injuries in recent years, including a stress fracture that cost him most of the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons. Prior to the injury, Warren enjoyed a breakout season with the Indiana Pacers in 2019-20, averaging nearly 20 points per game on efficient shooting.
A former All-ACC player at NC State, Warren was drafted by the Phoenix Suns in 2014. He showed promise early in his career and even received Most Improved Player consideration in 2018.
Also Read: NBA Rivalries: Less Animosity, More Camaraderie
While his scoring hasn’t returned to pre-injury levels yet, Warren offers the Timberwolves a versatile option at forward. He’s averaging 4.1 points and 2.3 rebounds in limited minutes so far this season.
T.J. Warren NBA Career
Drafted 14th overall by the Phoenix Suns in 2014, Warren spent his first five NBA seasons in Phoenix. While he showed glimpses of his scoring potential, injuries hampered his consistency.
Bubble Breakout:
A turning point came in 2020 within the NBA bubble environment. Warren emerged as a breakout star, averaging an impressive 31.0 points per game, including a career-high 53-point performance against the Philadelphia 76ers. This showcased his offensive abilities to the league.
Injury Setbacks and Recent Moves:
Unfortunately, injuries continued to plague Warren in his following stints with the Indiana Pacers and Brooklyn Nets. He was eventually traded back to the Phoenix Suns in 2023.
Landing in Minnesota:
Looking for a fresh start, Warren signed a series of 10-day contracts with the Minnesota Timberwolves in March 2024. His strong performance convinced the team to sign him for the rest of the season, bolstering their bench with another scoring option.
What’s Next?
At 30 years old, T.J. Warren remains a talented scorer with something to prove. With the Timberwolves, he has an opportunity to solidify his role and contribute to their playoff push. Whether he can stay healthy and recapture his bubble form will be an interesting storyline to follow.
