The Charlotte Hornets selected forward Josh Minott with the 45th pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, but dealt him in a draft-night deal to the Minnesota Timberwolves with a 2023 second-round pick to acquire the rights to Bryce McGowens. While that 2023 second-rounder became Jaylen Clark, the Timberwolves might be feeling some regret after letting Minott walk this summer.

In three seasons with the Timberwolves, he appeared in 93 games, playing an average of just five minutes per game and never having an opportunity to show what he can do. Minnesota went on to decline his team option for the 2025-26 season, making way for him to sign a two-year, $4.9 million deal with the Boston Celtics. Now, he's looking like a key piece for them going forward.

Josh Minott's Season So Far

Minott has played in six games so far this season, where he's averaged 8.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game while earning four starts as well. Minott's best game of the 2025-26 campaign came against the Cleveland Cavaliers, who entered the season as favorites to win the conference. He posted 11 points, 15 rebounds, three steals, and a block in the 125-105 win.

With Jayson Tatum sidelined for the foreseeable future, Minott is earning himself prime opportunities to prove himself. On such a cheap salary, Minott is positioning himself to play a key role on this Boston team once Tatum returns and even into the 2026-27 season when they should be viewed as contenders again.

Is Minnesota Missing Out?

Given that Anthony Edwards is currently sidelined, the Timberwolves need all the quality depth they can get right now. If Minott were still on the roster and given a fair chance to compete for minutes in the rotation, he'd be competing with the likes of Jaylen Clark and Leonard Miller for minutes.

Miller hasn't seen the floor much at all, and Clark profiles more as a guard than a forward. Therefore, his rebounding and activity could be of use to this current Timberwolves roster, but there's no telling whether he would've reached this ceiling had he hung around in Minnesota.

He wouldn't start over Jaden McDaniels or Julius Randle, so only an injury could've given him an opportunity.

Looking ahead for the Timberwolves, they'll see Minott and the Celtics on their schedule at the end of November on the 29th when they come to town. Assuming Minott is healthy and active, he'll get a chance to prove to his old team why they made a mistake in letting him go.