The Minnesota Timberwolves have signed undrafted Duke forward Amile Jefferson to a one-year partially-guaranteed deal, according to Michael Scotto of Basketball Insiders.

This would allow Jefferson to battle for a roster spot during training camp, taking one of the four available spots that Tom Thibodeau planned on filling before the start of the preseason.

The 24-year-old was the frontcourt mate of Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum and Portland Trail Blazers center Harry Giles at Duke; a lanky, yet lengthy presence on the boards at 6-foot-9 and 224 pounds.

Article Continues Below
More Timberwolves News
The Minnesota Timberwolves receive a grade for the Naz Reid contract.
Grading Timberwolves’ $125 million Naz Reid contractAbdullah Imran ·
Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) reacts against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half in game three of the western conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center.
Grading Timberwolves’ $100 million Julius Randle contractRishav Bhat ·
LeBron James with the logos of every NBA team in the background.
Ranking 5 best LeBron James trade destinations after Rich Paul’s bombshell Lakers quotesBailey Bassett ·
Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid (11) drives to the basket against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso (9) during the second quarter in game five of the western conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center
Naz Reid’s massive Timberwolves contract has Bobby Marks questioning value of dealJackson Stone ·
Minnesota Timberwolves forward Nickeil Alexander-Walker (9) prepares to play the New Orleans Pelicans before the game at Target Center.
NBA rumors: Pistons, Hawks the leaders to steal away Timberwolves free agentRishav Bhat ·
Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) reacts against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half in game three of the western conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center.
Timberwolves’ Julius Randle to sign $100 million contract after Naz Reid bonanzaTroy Finnegan ·

Jefferson still has strides to make with his body composition to play at the next level, as he has been a reluctant outside shooter during his college career. He averaged 10.9 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game during his senior season.

Minnesota, like many other teams, is opting for young undrafted talent to fill their spots at a discount — thanks to the new two-way contract provision that would allow a player to develop in the G League while receiving an NBA salary when he is called up to play for the team.

Jefferson's athleticism is eye-catching and an asset that can be molded into an useful tool if he can hone his mid-range and free-throw shooting in the near future.