Luka Garza signs two-way deal with Minnesota Timberwolves
Luka Garza has a new home in Minnesota.
The Athletic and Stadium NBA inside Shams Charania reported that the Minnesota Timberwolves have signed former Iowa center Luka Garza to a two-way deal. Already under contract, the real news is that they are converting the deal to a two-way contract.
Garza’s confirmed position in the Wolves’ organization comes following a strong showing in the NBA Preseason. Garza averaged 7.3 points and 2.3 rebounds while shooting just over 61 percent from the floor. Minnesota head coach Chris Finch called Garza a perfect fit for the Timberwolves system following Minnesota’s 118-113 win over the Lakers.
“He’s the perfect system fit for us. Great acquisition by our front office. He’s a guy I think can really grow into our system here. He can stretch the floor and he can score around the basket. That’s a great combo. Not a lot of bigs can do that,” Finch said.
Garza displayed the three ball this preseason, hitting 66% of his 3-point attempts.
Given Minnesota’s current center situation, bringing in multiple-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert alongside the returning Naz Reid, it seems more likely than not that Garza will spend most of the upcoming season with the Timberwolves’ G-League affiliate.
Garza was a standout performer for the Motor City Cruise, Detroit’s G-League affiliate, earning a spot on the All-NBAGL third team last season.
While the 23-year-old may not see a ton of playing time this season with some more established talent ahead of him on the depth chart, his ability to stretch the court from the center position could provide value off the bench.
Even if it is not this year though, it does seem that Finch and the Wolves are keen on building Garza’s game and keeping him around as a system fit for the future.
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