Ex-Iowa basketball star Luka Garza returns to Des Moines, signs two-way deal with Timberwolves
Luka Garza was a must-see attraction every time he was in Des Moines with the Iowa Wolves last season as he put together one of the best seasons in the NBA G League.
Iowans will get another opportunity to see the former Iowa Hawkeyes star next season after Garza signed a two-way contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves. The team announced the move Monday.
Garza, a 6-foot-10 forward, appeared in 28 NBA games with Minnesota last season, averaging 6.5 points while shooting 54.3% from the field. He really shined in Iowa with the Timberwolves’ G League affiliate.
Garza played in 15 games for Iowa and put on a show every time, averaging 30.7 points, 10.1 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game. Garza was selected as a captain for the NBA G League Next Up Game.
Learn more: What is a two-way contract in the NBA?
His latest two-way deal with the Timberwolves means Garza will once again be spending time in Des Moines during the G League season.
Garza played four seasons at Iowa and ended his Hawkeye career as the school's all-time leading scorer. He earned unanimous 2020-21 National Player of the Year honors after averaging 24.1 points and 8.7 rebounds per game.
More: Luka Garza's season between Iowa Wolves, Minnesota Timberwolves has produced memorable moments
After college, Garza was drafted by the Detroit Pistons. He appeared in just 32 games with the Pistons who declined their team option on him and made Garza a free agent.
Tommy Birch, the Register's sports enterprise and features reporter, has been working at the newspaper since 2008. He's the 2018 and 2020 Iowa Sportswriter of the Year. Reach him at tbirch@dmreg.com or 515-284-8468. Follow him on Twitter @TommyBirch.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Luke Garza signs two-way contract with Minnesota Timberwolves
