What's Happening?
The Minnesota Timberwolves have decided to waive forward Nate Santos, as noted in the NBA.com's transaction log. Santos had recently signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Timberwolves, which is a type of deal that allows teams to convert a player's contract to a two-way contract or offer a bonus if the player joins the team's G League affiliate. Santos, a 6'7" forward, participated in the Summer League with the Orlando Magic after going undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft. During the Summer League, he averaged 1.3 points and 1.5 rebounds in 10.4 minutes per game over four appearances. Prior to his professional endeavors, Santos played college basketball for two seasons at Dayton, following his initial stint at Pittsburgh. In his senior year at Dayton, he posted averages of 14.3 points and 5.6 rebounds per game, with a shooting percentage of 41.8% from three-point range.
Why It's Important?
The decision to waive Nate Santos highlights the competitive nature of securing a spot on an NBA roster, especially for undrafted players. Santos's release from the Timberwolves underscores the challenges faced by players trying to transition from college basketball to the professional level. The Exhibit 10 contract he signed is often used by teams to evaluate players during training camps and preseason, providing them with a chance to earn a spot on the roster or join the G League affiliate. For Santos, this move means he could potentially join the Iowa Wolves, the Timberwolves' G League team, where he can continue to develop his skills and possibly earn a bonus of up to $85,300 if he spends at least 60 days with the affiliate. This pathway offers him an opportunity to showcase his talents and work towards a future in the NBA.
What's Next?
Following his waiver, Nate Santos may consider joining the Iowa Wolves, the G League affiliate of the Timberwolves, to continue his basketball career. This move would allow him to further develop his skills and potentially earn a bonus, providing financial incentive and professional growth opportunities. The Timberwolves may also continue to evaluate other players during the preseason to finalize their roster for the upcoming NBA season. Santos's journey reflects the broader landscape of professional basketball, where players often navigate various leagues and contracts to achieve their career goals.
Beyond the Headlines
The waiver of Nate Santos by the Timberwolves also sheds light on the strategic use of Exhibit 10 contracts by NBA teams. These contracts are designed to offer flexibility in player development, allowing teams to assess talent while providing players with a structured path to potentially secure a more permanent position. For players like Santos, the G League serves as a critical platform for honing skills and gaining visibility among NBA scouts and executives. This system plays a significant role in the broader ecosystem of professional basketball, where talent development and strategic roster management are key components.
