The Minnesota Timberwolves haven't officially announced the release of Jesse Edwards, which was reported earlier this month.
But given that Edwards has officially signed a contract in Australia, it seems that's a moot point.
Edwards has agreed to a one-year contract with Melbourne United in the NBL, that team announced on Tuesday.
Melbourne United's coach Dean Vickerman shared his excitement for the move in a press release.
“Looking at our final import spot, we wanted to bring in someone that was an elite rim protector, which Jesse has been across his college and pro career so far,” Vickerman said. “We think he’s got great length, really good timing and elite defensive instincts. He’s also got the mobility to get out and play with pace, which really suits what we’re wanting to do this year. He can live above the rim, and I think our crowd is going to love it. He’s a great lob threat, and we’ve got the guards to put the ball in the perfect place for him to make big plays. I really believe he’s an NBA player, and it’s really exciting to have both he and Tyson Walker as young, talented imports that are at their athletic peaks.”
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Edwards is a 7-foot center originally from the Netherlands. He spent his college career with Syracuse and then at West Virginia.
Edwards went undrafted in 2024 but signed with the Timberwolves after the draft on a two-way deal. Minnesota only used Edwards in two NBA games for very short stints.
He was great in the G League with the Iowa Wolves, though. Edwards averaged 11.9 points, 7.6 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game with the G League Wolves.
Edwards played in Summer League for Minnesota, but the center depth chart had gotten crowded.
The Timberwolves drafted Joan Beringer and Rocco Zikarsky, two promising frontcourt players behind established big guys Rudy Gobert, Naz Reid and Julius Randle.
Edwards could make it back to the NBA eventually, but for now, he's heading Down Under.
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