Former Pacers Guard Signs with West Powerhouse

Nov 18, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; A general view of the basketball shoes of Indiana Pacers guard Tristen Newton (4) during warmup before a game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images | Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

A former Indiana Pacers guard has inked a new deal with a Western Conference powerhouse.

In fairness, he's already been on said powerhouse.

Sources inform Michael Scotto of HoopsHype that guard Tristen Newton has picked up his two-way qualifying offer to rejoin the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2025-26.

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He posted averages of 16.5 points, 6.7 dimes, 6.3 boards, and 1.8 swipes a night in 24 total bouts for Indiana's NBAGL affiliate, then the Indiana Mad Ants, and Minnesota's G League affiliate, the Iowa Wolves, in 2024-25 — his rookie season.

Newton played sparingly during his rookie season for both Indiana and Minnesota, averaging a combined 0.4 points and 0.5 rebounds in 2.0 minutes per across eight total games.

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Tristen Newton has signed his two-way qualifying offer and will return to the team, league sources told @hoopshype. Newton averaged 16.5 points, 6.7 assists, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game in the G League last season. pic.twitter.com/2ChSqLRNIM

— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) August 1, 2025

Newton was acquired by the Timberwolves from the Pacers midway through last season.

Indiana selected the 6-foot-5 combo guard with the No. 49 pick out of the University of Connecticut, where he was a consensus All-American First Teamer and the 2024 Final Four Most Outstanding Player during his two seasons with the Huskies, both of which ended in NCAA championships. Newton earned the 2024 Bob Cousy Award during his final collegiate season, too.

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Signed to a two-way deal by Indiana, Newton never quite caught on. He was waived by Indiana in January, and claimed off waivers by Minnesota mere days later.

Clearly, the Timberwolves have more investment in Newton's future than Indiana did. In fairness, Minnesota has a bit of a point guard problem.

Starting Timberwolves point guard Mike Conley Jr., who'll be 38 at the beginning of his 20th pro season this fall, had a miserable playoff showing this spring, averaging a paltry 6.0 points on .302/.333/.923 shooting splits, 3.3 assists, 2.9 rebounds and 0.6 steals in 15 games (all starts).

Donte DiVincenzo and Rob Dillingham could assume bigger roles next season, but there's certainly an opportunity for a raw guard like Newton to carve out an eventual lineup slot.

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