Timberwolves’ Joe Ingles interested in potential NBL return

Timberwolves forward Joe Ingles is considering a return to Australia’s National Basketball League, according to Olgun Uluc of ESPN, who shared the update in his NBL free agency primer.

Ingles, 38, previously played for the South Dragons in Melbourne from 2006-09 before going undrafted in 2009. He went on to build his résumé overseas in Spain and Israel prior to making the jump to the NBA in 2014.

The 6-foot-8 forward has spent the past 12 seasons in the NBA, though his role has shifted in recent years. After logging significant minutes earlier in his career with Utah, Ingles has primarily served as a veteran presence off the bench with Minnesota.

Since joining the Timberwolves in 2024, he has appeared in 44 games, averaging 4.9 minutes per contest.

While the South Dragons are no longer active, a return to Melbourne remains a possibility. Uluc reports that both Melbourne United and the South East Melbourne Phoenix have had discussions with Ingles. The Adelaide 36ers are also said to have interest and have emerged as an aggressive suitor.

Ingles is currently on a one-year, minimum contract with Minnesota and will become an unrestricted free agent this offseason.