Luka Garza signs with Timberwolves, Joe Wieskamp returns to Spurs

Garza’s signing leaves possibility of playing in Hawkeye State again

Aug. 23, 2022 12:12 pm, Updated: Aug. 23, 2022 3:38 pm

Phoenix Suns guard Cameron Payne (15) drives as Detroit Pistons center Luka Garza (55) defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, Jan. 16, 2022, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

Luka Garza has a new NBA home, and it’s not far from his alma mater.

The former Iowa basketball standout has signed with the Minnesota Timberwolves, the team announced Tuesday.

The Timberwolves did not reveal the terms of the contract, so it’s unclear whether it’s an non-guaranteed Exhibit 10 contract, two-way contract or an NBA deal with guaranteed money.

Tuesday’s contract agreement could put Garza rather close to his alma mater. Minnesota’s G League affiliate, the Iowa Wolves, is located in Des Moines.

Garza, the 2021 men’s Naismith Player of the Year, was a second-round pick by the Detroit Pistons in the 2021 NBA Draft. The Pistons waived him in June after he averaged 5.8 points and 3.1 rebounds in 32 NBA games as a rookie.

In 16 games for the Piston’s G League affiliate, he averaged 20.6 points and 9.5 rebounds.