According to league sources, Tristen Newton has officially returned to the Minnesota Timberwolves on a two-way deal for the 2025–2026 NBA season. After spending a short time with the Timberwolves in 2024–2025, the 24-year-old guard accepted his two-way qualifying offer, securing his spot on the team for the next year.

A Hasty Trip Back to Minnesota

The trip back to Minnesota for Tristen Newton has been quite the adventure. Six months after being chosen 49th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, Newton was released by the Indiana Pacers. In January 2025, he found a home with the Timberwolves. After Indiana chose to cut ties with the young, talented guard, the Timberwolves claimed him off waivers, and he was instantly assigned to a two-way deal. Even though Newton only played in eight NBA games between Indiana and Minnesota, he has demonstrated significant development and promise, especially in the G League.

Outstanding G League Results

Newton played very little minutes in the NBA, but he has had an incredible experience in the G League. Newton averaged 16.5 points, 6.7 assists, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game in 24 games played last season, divided between the Iowa Wolves and the Indiana Mad Ants. His ability to dominate in several areas of the game was a feature of his well-rounded performances. Newton played an outstanding 35.7 minutes per game and recorded four double-doubles and two triple-doubles, demonstrating his ability to contribute on both sides of the court.

Performance in the Summer League

Newton continued to attract the attention of Timberwolves coaches and NBA scouts in the 2025 NBA Summer League thanks to his outstanding play. Newton shot 47.6% from three-point range and 41.9% from the field while averaging 9.2 points per game in the summer league. His ability to lead an offence was a critical development for the Timberwolves' coaching staff, and his improvements in perimeter shooting were a major highlight of his play. The Timberwolves view him as a long-term development possibility because of his shooting efficiency, especially from beyond the arc, which places him as a player with great upside. 

A Priority for Development

Newton hasn't played much in the NBA, but it's obvious that he has developing potential. The coaching staff of the Timberwolves will keep concentrating on his growth, especially in refining his ability to shoot from the outside and create plays. Newton and other two-way players have the exceptional chance to play for their NBA club for up to 50 games during the regular season, which gives them enough opportunity to grow and get playing time with both the NBA team and its G League affiliate. 

Stepping Forward

Midway through his first season, Newton was released by the Indiana Pacers, who had originally selected him in the 2024 NBA Draft. It's evident that Minnesota recognises his talent after his brief 2025 stint with the Timberwolves. He has only averaged 0.4 points in 2.0 minutes per game in the NBA thus far, but his flexibility, defence, and rebounding in the G League have kept him on the Timberwolves' radar as a prospective talent.

For the 2025–26 campaign, the Timberwolves prioritise Newton's growth. The Timberwolves have a guy with a lot of potential who might become a significant contributor in the upcoming years because to his versatility, increasing shooting, and strong defence. Newton will continue to hone his skills for the time being, taking advantage of the two-way deal to show that he is deserving of more regular NBA playing time.