Jaden McDaniels

Lore & Background

McDaniels played basketball for Federal Way High School in Federal Way, Washington. As a freshman, he was teammates with his older brother Jalen and helped Federal Way win its second straight Class 4A state championship. McDaniels averaged 2.4 points and 1.8 rebounds per game on the varsity team and was forced to shoot with his left hand due to a right elbow injury. In his first two years, he helped his team win 63 consecutive games, the longest win streak in state history since 1977. As a junior, McDaniels guided Federal Way to a runner-up finish at the 4A state tournament. In the season, he averaged 21.3 points, 10 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 3.3 blocks per game and earned USA Today All-USA Washington first team honors. In May 2018, McDaniels saw breakout success at the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL) with Seattle Rotary, bolstering his position as a top recruit in the 2019 class. On January 25, 2019, as a senior, he recorded 51 points against Todd Beamer High School, breaking the school single-game scoring record held by NBA player Donny Marshall. McDaniels averaged 23.3 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and two blocks per game in his senior season, leading his team to third place at the 4A state tournament. He earned Class 4A Player of the Year and Washington Gatorade Player of the Year recognition. McDaniels played in the McDonald's All-American Game and Jordan Brand Classic. By the end of his high-school career, McDaniels was considered a consensus five-star recruit and the best power forward in the 2019 class. ESPN and Rivals ranked him among the top 10 players in his class. On May 22, 2019, McDaniels committed to play college basketball for Washington. He had also received strong interest from Kentucky during the recruiting process. In his collegiate debut at Washington, a 67–64 upset win over Baylor, he scored 18 points and seven rebounds. He finished the season with a high of 22 points against Ball State. As a freshman, McDaniels averaged 13 points and 5.8 rebounds per game while starting 21 games but began coming off the bench midway through conference play. After the season, he declared for the 2020 NBA draft. In the 2020 NBA draft, the Los Angeles Lakers selected McDaniels in the first round with the 28th overall selection. He was then traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder along with Danny Green for Dennis Schröder and later traded to the

In Their Own Story

The arena lights hummed over the Target Center hardwood as Jaden McDaniels settled into his stance, eyes locked on the ball handler. With his wingspan fully extended, he was a wall of blue and white, daring the opponent to drive. He anticipated the crossover, sliding laterally with effortless grace before swatting the shot away from the rim. The crowd roared as he sprinted downcourt, not just chasing the rebound but dictating the pace of the entire game.

Reader's Guide

Jaden McDaniels is a forward for the Minnesota Timberwolves, known for his defensive prowess and improving offensive game. He was named to the 2023-2024 NBA All-Defensive Second Team. He started all 82 games in the 2024-25 season, averaging 12.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.0 assists. His playoff career-high is 32 points, set in Game 6 of the first round in 2026 against the Denver Nuggets.

Did You Know?

• McDaniels was a five-star recruit and the best power forward in the 2019 class according to consensus rankings.
• He broke Federal Way High School's single-game scoring record with 51 points as a senior.
• McDaniels was selected 28th overall in the 2020 NBA draft by the Los Angeles Lakers, then traded twice before joining the Timberwolves.
• He signed a five-year, $136 million contract extension with the Timberwolves on October 23, 2023.
• McDaniels is the younger brother of NBA player Jalen McDaniels.