Former Akron Zips basketball standout Enrique Freeman has officially secured a significant career milestone, signing a two-way contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves for the upcoming 2025-26 NBA season. This pivotal agreement marks a new chapter for the impressive forward, solidifying his transition from a dominant Mid-American Conference (MAC) performer to a promising prospect within the professional basketball ranks. His journey underscores the continuous development and perseverance required for athletes aspiring to reach the highest echelons of the sport.
The two-way deal offers Freeman a crucial pathway to continued growth, allowing him to split his time between the Timberwolves’ main roster and their NBA G League affiliate. This dual opportunity provides invaluable exposure to NBA-level competition while ensuring consistent playing time and development opportunities essential for refining his skills. Such contracts are instrumental for emerging talents like Freeman, who are on the cusp of establishing themselves as key contributors in the league.
Freeman enters a Minnesota Timberwolves roster that already boasts considerable depth in the forward position, featuring established players such as Jaden McDaniels, Naz Reid, and Julius Randle. Despite the existing talent, the Akron product’s unique skill set and tireless motor could enable him to carve out a meaningful role, potentially providing a spark off the bench or challenging for more significant minutes as the season progresses. His adaptability will be key to integrating into a competitive NBA rotation.
Prior to joining the Timberwolves, Freeman’s rookie campaign saw him drafted in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft by an Eastern Conference champion team. Despite this initial opportunity, his playing time was limited, appearing in just 22 games and averaging approximately eight minutes per contest. This experience, though brief, provided a foundational understanding of the NBA landscape and the intensity of professional competition.
The majority of Freeman’s inaugural professional season was spent honing his craft in the NBA G League, where he consistently demonstrated his readiness for an expanded role at the next level. His strong performances in the developmental league allowed him to showcase his versatile abilities, reaffirming his potential to impact an NBA game beyond limited minutes. The G League proved to be a vital proving ground for his sustained ambition.
Freeman himself has articulated a clear vision for what he can contribute to an NBA squad. Earlier this summer, he highlighted his belief in his multifaceted game, stating, “I can bring rebound, defense, now I can bring shooting, now I can bring an offensive threat… and also, I can also offer my motor. I play very hard, I play with very hard work, and a lot of team love that.” This self-awareness and commitment to fundamental strengths bode well for his prospective impact.
Dating back to his collegiate tenure with the Akron Zips, Freeman consistently displayed the attributes of a solid future professional. In his senior season, he was a statistical leader, averaging an impressive 18.6 points per game and topping the MAC in both field goal percentage at 58 percent and rebounds with 12.9 per contest. His consistent high-level performance in college laid a robust foundation for his current NBA aspirations.
