Timberwolves Waive PJ Dozier, Avoiding Guarantee

The Minnesota Timberwolves have waived PJ Dozier, the team announced in a press release.

Dozier, a 28-year-old swingman, signed a one-year contract with the Wolves in July, which included a $1MM guarantee on his $2.6MM salary. However, with all NBA contracts set to become fully guaranteed on January 7, the Timberwolves have decided to part ways with Dozier to avoid paying him for the remainder of the season.

Minnesota will take a $1,051,255 cap hit from the move but will save approximately $5 million on their luxury tax bill, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks.

Despite the financial relief, the decision to waive Dozier stems primarily from his limited impact on the court. He appeared in just nine games for the Timberwolves, averaging only 3.9 minutes per game. Over those brief appearances, he recorded seven points, five rebounds, and five assists.

Dozier’s stint with Minnesota was part of his effort to make an NBA comeback after spending last season with Partizan Belgrade in Serbia. The opportunity was extended by Timberwolves president of basketball operations Tim Connelly, who had previously worked with Dozier during his time with the Denver Nuggets.

Dozier’s career in the NBA spans 130 games over seven seasons, where he has played for Oklahoma City, Boston, Denver, and Sacramento. Throughout his career, he has been a reserve player, averaging 5.4 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 15.4 minutes per game.

With the Timberwolves’ roster now at a full 15 players, they are under no immediate pressure to find a replacement for Dozier. The team could choose to promote one of their two-way players — Jaylen Clark, Jesse Edwards, or Daishen Nix — or potentially explore options for a minimum-salary free agent.

Alternatively, the Wolves may opt to keep the roster spot open to further reduce their luxury tax obligations.

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