Joe Ingles is set to return to the Minnesota Timberwolves for his 12th NBA season, signing a one-year contract worth $3.6 million. The deal was confirmed by his agent Mark Bartelstein from Priority Sports and reported by Shams Charania of ESPN. Ingles, who will turn 38 this October, is expected to have a minimal cap hit of about $2.3 million.
During his first season with the Timberwolves, Ingles had limited playing time, participating in only 19 games where he averaged 0.8 points and 0.6 rebounds in about 6 minutes of play per game. Although his statistical contributions were modest, he proved to be an uplifting presence in the locker room. A particularly touching moment occurred when he made his only start of the season, a gesture from coach Chris Finch that allowed Ingles’ eight-year-old autistic son to attend the game.
Ingles has been a key player for the Australian national team since 2008. He began his NBA career with the Utah Jazz in 2014 after spending nearly ten years playing overseas. His tenure with the Jazz lasted eight seasons before moving on to the Milwaukee Bucks in 2022 and the Orlando Magic in 2023.
This contract signifies both the Timberwolves’ trust in Ingles’ veteran leadership and his enduring spirit, promising to continue inspiring his teammates on and off the court. As he embarks on another season, fans and players alike look forward to his contributions and the impact he will have on the team’s dynamics.