CJ Fulton Signs with Minnesota Timberwolves, Set for G-League Stint with Iowa Wolves

Belfast’s CJ Fulton has officially signed with NBA franchise Minnesota Timberwolves, marking a significant step forward in the 23-year-old’s rising basketball journey. The move makes him only the third Irish-born player to feature at the top level of basketball in the United States, following in the footsteps of Pat Burke and Susan Moran.

Fulton had been training with the Timberwolves during their pre-season preparations and now joins the team in an official capacity. Although he is expected to be waived in the coming days and assigned to the Iowa Wolves — Minnesota’s G-League affiliate — the move is part of a development pathway designed to keep him within the Timberwolves’ system.

“It’s a way of keeping me around the franchise and working my way up,” Fulton told BBC Sport NI earlier this month, highlighting the strategic nature of his contract.

After going undrafted in June’s NBA Draft, Fulton made his debut with the Timberwolves in the NBA Summer League. He featured briefly in their win over the Phoenix Suns, playing four minutes and officially making history as the third Irish-born player to take the court in an NBA game. 

His second appearance came against the Houston Rockets, where he played 17 minutes, recording two points, two assists, and two steals — a well-rounded performance that showcased his potential.

Fulton, a former student at St Malachy’s College in Belfast, had impressed during his collegiate career in the United States. Starting at Lafayette before transferring to the Charleston Cougars, he averaged 7.8 points and 6.5 assists per game in his senior year — numbers that eventually drew the Timberwolves’ attention.

While a full-time role in the NBA may still be a step away, his upcoming stint with the Iowa Wolves in the G-League, which begins in November, offers a vital opportunity for growth and exposure. The G-League has become a proven launchpad for emerging talents, with several players using it as a springboard to secure regular NBA minutes.

Minnesota’s pre-season campaign kicks off on Sunday, October 5, against defending champions Denver Nuggets in San Diego. While Fulton’s immediate future lies with the G-League squad, his inclusion in the Timberwolves’ setup is a clear sign of confidence in his long-term potential.