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The Minnesota Timberwolves are adding another familiar face to their coaching staff. According to Charlie Walton, former NBA guard Will Barton is joining the Timberwolves in a player development role after spending last season with the organization's G League affiliate.
“I am told that Will Barton, an 11-year NBA veteran wing, will be joining the Timberwolves' coaching staff this season in a player development role. Barton was an assistant coach with the Iowa Wolves last season and with this year's Summer League team.”
Barton enters the role after beginning his coaching career with the Iowa Wolves during the 2025-26 season, where he worked with Minnesota's young players and developmental prospects. He also served on the Timberwolves' Summer League coaching staff before earning the promotion.
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Before transitioning into coaching, Barton enjoyed an 11-year NBA career after being selected with the 40th overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft by the Portland Trail Blazers. Over 679 regular-season games, Barton averaged 11.2 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.7 assists while playing for the Trail Blazers, Denver Nuggets, Washington Wizards and Toronto Raptors. His final NBA season came in 2022-23.
Following his NBA career, Barton continued playing professionally overseas, competing in China, Puerto Rico and Spain before moving into coaching. The promotion also reunites Barton with Tim Connelly, the Timberwolves' president of basketball operations. Connelly was a key executive with the Denver Nuggets during Barton's tenure in Denver, where the veteran wing developed into one of the franchise's most reliable contributors.
Now, Barton will look to bring that experience to Minnesota's player development staff as the Timberwolves look to turn the corner and contend for an NBA Championship with Anthony Edwards and the newly acquired LaMelo Ball.