McDaniels appears positioned for an even larger role after Minnesota acquired LaMelo Ball while retaining its defensive core, according to Cholo Magsino of Yahoo Sports.

EDGE Analysis

The versatile forward was reportedly considered off-limits in trade discussions and remains one of the organization's foundational pieces alongside Edwards. Ball's playmaking ability could create more scoring opportunities for McDaniels, particularly as a cutter and transition threat. His defensive responsibilities should remain substantial.

McDaniels logged 13 points (4-13 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 3-3 FT), one rebound, three assists and one block across 23 minutes during Friday's 139-109 loss to the Spurs in Game 6 of the Western Conference Semifinals.

EDGE Analysis

McDaniels struggled with his efficiency from the field in Friday's loss as the Timberwolves connected on just 37.7 percent of their field-goal attempts. It was a disappointing end to the postseason, but it doesn't take away from the step that McDaniels took during the 2025-26 campaign. He finished the regular season averaging a career-high 14.8 points per game while connecting on 41.2 percent of his three-point attempts. Per Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic, the Timberwolves will likely reshape their roster around Anthony Edwards this offseason, and if that means moving on from Julius Randle, then McDaniels could take on an even larger role.

McDaniels notched 14 points (6-15 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 2-2 FT) and six rebounds in 41 minutes during Sunday's 114-109 victory over the Spurs in Game 4 of the Western Conference Semifinals.

EDGE Analysis

McDaniels' production has suffered since Anthony Edwards' return to action, and a below-average shooting night kept him in check during Game 4. Despite the downtick, McDaniels has demonstrated a solid floor throughout the postseason, averaging 16.6 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.4 assists over 10 playoff contests.

McDaniels contributed 17 points (5-22 FG, 3-8 3Pt, 4-4 FT), seven rebounds, two assists, one block and one steal over 40 minutes during Friday's 115-108 loss to San Antonio in Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinals.

EDGE Analysis

McDaniels couldn't get his shot to drop, opening the game with five straight bricks, and he was just missing a lot of shots he traditionally makes. Ayo Dosunmu also had a tough offensive outing, finishing with 11 points (4-12 FG, 3-8 3Pt), seven rebounds, five assists, one steal and four turnovers in 32 minutes off the bench.

McDaniels recorded 16 points (7-14 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 2-2 FT), five rebounds, two assists, one block and one steal across 36 minutes during Monday's 104-102 win over San Antonio in Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals.

EDGE Analysis

McDaniels continues to deliver offensively for the Timberwolves this postseason, putting up at least 12 points in seven games thus far on top of his excellent defense. Overall, the forward has averaged 17.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 36.0 minutes per game while shooting 49.5 percent from the floor during the 2026 playoffs.

McDaniels supplied 32 points (13-25 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 5-6 FT), 10 rebounds, three assists, one block and two steals in 45 minutes during Thursday's 110-98 victory over Denver in Game 6 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.

EDGE Analysis

McDaniels stepped up in a big way to help the Timberwolves close out the series. He shot the basketball with confidence, especially down the stretch, as he drilled several key field goals in the waning minutes of the fourth quarter to secure the victory. McDaniels also recorded his second double-double of the series by grabbing double-digit boards. He'll continue to be a key piece of the puzzle in the next round against San Antonio, even if Anthony Edwards (knee) is cleared to return.

McDaniels logged 12 points (4-11 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 4-4 FT), eight rebounds, three assists and one block over 33 minutes during Saturday's 112-96 victory over Denver in Game 4 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.

EDGE Analysis

McDaniels didn't have the most productive box score during Saturday's win, but he certainly made his presence felt with his layup in the dying seconds of the fourth quarter, drawing the ire of Nikola Jokic that resulted in a scuffle between both teams. It's unclear whether there will be any disciplinary action for Game 5 on Monday for the parties involved, but the Timberwolves can't afford to lose any more players for the rest of the playoffs, as they'll be without Donte DiVincenzo (Achilles) until next season at minimum and Anthony Edwards (knee) for the remainder of the series and beyond. McDaniels has averaged 15.5 points, 7.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists over 36.0 minutes per game through the first four games of the series.

McDaniels supplied 20 points (9-13 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 1-1 FT), 10 rebounds, three assists, one block and one steal across 41 minutes during Thursday's 113-96 win over the Nuggets in Game 3 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.

EDGE Analysis

McDaniels recorded his first double-double of the season, and it couldn't come at a better time for Minnesota, which now leads the series 2-1. With two consecutive victories, the Timberwolves will look to extend the series lead, with McDaniels' productivity likely to play a key role once again.

McDaniels had 16 points (6-14 FG, 0-4 3Pt, 4-4 FT), eight rebounds and three assists across 33 minutes during Saturday's 116-105 loss to the Nuggets in Game 1 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.

EDGE Analysis

McDaniels was Minnesota's leading scorer through the first three quarters of play, but the Nuggets completely shut him down in crunch time, holding the sixth-year forward to zero points with just one shot attempt in the final frame. He missed all four of his three-point attempts and finished with a team-worst minus-17 differential in the loss.

McDaniels (knee) isn't listed on the injury report for Saturday's Game 1 against the Nuggets.

EDGE Analysis

McDaniels sat out Minnesota's regular-season finale due to left knee injury maintenance, though he's good to go for the start of the playoffs. Over his final 10 regular-season appearances, the 25-year-old forward averaged 15.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.0 blocks across 30.4 minutes per game.