Johnny Juzang, previously on a two-way contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves, was waived by the team on February 18. Shortly afterwards, Juzang secured a contract with Zenit BC in Russia, where he will play for the remainder of the season. This marks the first time the 24-year-old has joined an overseas basketball team.
Limited Opportunities During Timberwolves Tenure
The Timberwolves faced a decision regarding Juzang’s roster position, as two-way players are limited to a maximum of 50 games on an NBA active roster. After reaching this threshold, Minnesota had to either offer Juzang a standard contract or waive him. The team chose the latter, briefly assigning him to their G League affiliate, the Iowa Wolves, although he never appeared in a game for them.
During his time with Minnesota, Juzang was active for 50 games but played in only 21, primarily appearing in late-game situations. Across those appearances, he totaled 88 minutes, contributing 43 points, 17 rebounds, and six assists. His shooting percentages showed areas for improvement, hitting 16 of 38 field goals and 6 of 24 from three-point range.
Undrafted out of UCLA in 2022, Juzang had started his professional career with the Utah Jazz, spending three seasons there before joining the Timberwolves. His most active NBA season was 2024-25, when he averaged 8.9 points over 64 games, including 18 starts.
Joining a Roster with Former NBA Talent
At Zenit BC, Juzang will join several former NBA players, including Andre Roberson, Sergey Karasev, Xavier Moon, Alex Poythress, and Luka Samanic. The team currently stands third in the VTB League with a 20-9 record, positioning itself as a strong contender this season.
A solid performance in Russia could open the door for Juzang to return to the NBA in the future, as teams often monitor international leagues for talent ready to make an impact back in the United States.
Welcome to Saint Petersburg, @JohnnyJuzang 🎵 pic.twitter.com/rD26TGs4ko
?Zenit Basketball Club
Welcome to Saint Petersburg, @JohnnyJuzang 🩵 pic.twitter.com/rD26TGs4ko
— Zenit Basketball Club (@zenitbasket) February 28, 2026
