The Minnesota Timberwolves announced that the team has reached an
agreement on a multi-year contract extension with forward Al Jefferson.
Per team policy, financial terms of the agreement have not been
disclosed.
 
The Wolves just beat an 11 p.m. deadline and signed promising young
forward Al Jefferson to a five-year, $65 million contract extension
that will make the 22-year-old selected 15th overall in the 2004 NBA
draft a very rich man starting next season. The deal will keep him a
Timberwolf through 2013. 
 
"Al has proven that at only 22 years of age he is among the rising stars in
the NBA," said Kevin McHale, Timberwolves vice president of basketball
operations. "He is extremely talented, hard working and shows a tremendous
willingness to learn and improve in all facets of the game. Al is only going to
continue to get better."
 
"He’s as polished on the low block as I’ve ever seen in a 22-year-old,"
Walker said. "He’s going to continue to get better. He’s definitely
going to be an All-Star in this league."
 
Stephen Litel/Hoopsworld on the extension:
Moving forward, Minnesota signs Jefferson at a bargain price for what he is expected to bring to the team, therefore allowing the team more freedom to surround him with quality teammates. By signing this contract, Jefferson shows he is more about the team than brining in the largest sums of money he possibly can throughout his career. This is a refreshing change and endears Jefferson to Minnesota fans, looking for someone to cheer going forward.
 
Jefferson is due $2.48 million this season, and the extension will kick in during the 2008-09 season.