Jordan McLaughlin Bio
Jordan McLaughlin (born April 9, 1996) is an American professional basketball player for the San Antonio Spurs of the National Basketball Association (NBA). The 5-foot-11-inch point guard played college basketball for the USC Trojans from 2014 to 2018 before entering the 2018 NBA draft, where he went undrafted. He has since built a steady professional career spanning multiple NBA franchises, including the Minnesota Timberwolves, Sacramento Kings, and now the San Antonio Spurs.
Early Life and Background
Jordan McLaughlin was born in Pasadena, California, and grew up in Rancho Cucamonga. He is the son of Thomas McLaughlin, who played minor league baseball, and has an older sister named Amber. While growing up, McLaughlin played baseball and football before gravitating toward basketball as his primary sport. He attended Etiwanda High School in Rancho Cucamonga, California, where he developed into a highly regarded basketball player.
During his high school career, McLaughlin demonstrated his scoring ability by scoring 19 points in the 2013 Chicago Elite Classic. His performance attracted attention from major college programs. He received scholarship offers from Kansas and UCLA but ultimately decided to commit to the USC Trojans. According to reports, USC coach Andy Enfield made McLaughlin a recruiting priority after seeing him play at an AAU tournament. McLaughlin had previously crossed USC off his list after witnessing former coach Kevin O’Neill berate an injured player during a practice, but his interest was renewed under Enfield’s leadership.
Path to Basketball
McLaughlin arrived at USC in 2014 as a promising recruit with the tools to become a impact player in the Pac-12 conference. His freshman season showed promise as he averaged 12.1 points and 4.5 assists per game while helping USC win 12 games. However, his season ended prematurely due to a shoulder injury that forced him to miss the final stretch of the year. The injury served as a setback, but McLaughlin worked to recover and returned stronger for his subsequent seasons.
He led the Trojans to the NCAA Tournament in 2016, averaging 13.4 points per game on 47 percent shooting from the field. McLaughlin helped guide USC back to the NCAA Tournament again in 2017, posting 12.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game. His playmaking ability and leadership qualities became increasingly evident as he took on a larger role within the team offense. By his senior year, McLaughlin had established himself as one of the top point guards in the country and earned recognition on the preseason Bob Cousy Award Watchlist, which honors the nation’s top point guard.
Jordan McLaughlin Career
Early Career (2018–2019)
After going undrafted in the 2018 NBA draft, McLaughlin signed with the Brooklyn Nets for NBA Summer League play and was invited to their training camp. He scored 7 points and recorded 6 assists in a Summer League loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on July 7, 2018. Although he did not make the final roster, his performance demonstrated his ability to contribute at the professional level. The Nets ultimately waived McLaughlin on October 11, 2018, but he was signed to the training camp roster of their NBA G League affiliate, the Long Island Nets, where he continued his development.
Minnesota Timberwolves Era (2019–2024)
On July 20, 2019, McLaughlin signed a two-way contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves, allowing him to split time between the NBA team and their G League affiliate, the Iowa Wolves. The move marked his entry into the NBA as a regular roster player. On February 8, 2020, McLaughlin recorded a career-high 24 points and 11 assists in a game against the Los Angeles Clippers, showcasing his ability to make an impact on the offensive end. His performance helped solidify his place in the Timberwolves rotation.
On September 15, 2021, McLaughlin signed a standard contract with the Timberwolves, moving from his two-way deal to a full NBA roster spot. He remained with Minnesota through the 2023-2024 season, serving as a reliable reserve guard who provided steady playmaking and veteran experience. His five-season tenure with the Timberwolves represented the longest stint with a single organization in his professional career up to that point.
Sacramento Kings (2024–2025)
On July 10, 2024, McLaughlin signed with the Sacramento Kings, joining his third NBA franchise. The move represented a new chapter in his career as he looked to contribute to a Kings team seeking to make the playoffs. His experience and floor leadership were expected to provide depth at the point guard position. McLaughlin’s time with Sacramento was brief, as he was involved in a major trade during the 2024-2025 season.
San Antonio Spurs Era (2025–Present)
On February 3, 2025, McLaughlin was traded to the San Antonio Spurs as part of a three-team deal involving the Sacramento Kings and Chicago Bulls. The trade sent De’Aaron Fox to the Spurs, Zach LaVine to the Kings, and several players and draft picks to the Bulls. On July 12, 2025, McLaughlin re-signed with the Spurs on a one-year contract worth $3 million, securing his place with the franchise for the foreseeable future.
Driving Style and Strengths
McLaughlin’s game centers around his playmaking ability and high basketball IQ. As a point guard, he excels at running an offense, making quick decisions, and keeping the ball moving. His assist-to-turnover ratio has been a consistent strength throughout his career. McLaughlin is also a capable perimeter shooter, particularly effective when catching and shooting from three-point range. His ability to play both guard positions provides lineup flexibility for his teams.
Notable Events and Milestones
During his senior season at USC in 2017-2018, McLaughlin averaged 7.8 assists per game, which ranked third nationally that year. He became the third Pac-12 player in conference history to record more than 600 career assists and 1,600 career points, joining an exclusive group of elite playmakers. His First-team All-Pac-12 selection in 2018 remains one of his most notable individual achievements. On the professional level, his 24-point, 11-assist performance against the Los Angeles Clippers in February 2020 represents his career-high output in an NBA game.
Jordan McLaughlin Career Highlights
Throughout his career, McLaughlin has established himself as a durable rotation player who contributes through playmaking and steady guard play. His professional journey from an undrafted free agent to a multi-year NBA contributor reflects his persistence and ability to adapt to different team situations.
College Highlights
At USC, McLaughlin earned First-team All-Pac-12 honors in 2018 and was named to the USBWA All-District IX Team and the NABC First-team All-District 20. His 7.8 assists per game during his senior season led the Pac-12 and ranked third nationally. McLaughlin finished his college career among the all-time leaders in assists in both USC and Pac-12 history, having led the Trojans to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances. His combination of scoring and playmaking made him one of the most complete guards in the conference during his collegiate career.
Professional Milestones
McLaughlin went undrafted in 2018 but successfully navigated his way into a professional career through Summer League and G League opportunities. He signed his first two-way contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves in July 2019 and later earned a standard NBA contract with the same franchise in September 2021. His February 2020 career-high performance against the Los Angeles Clippers, where he recorded 24 points and 11 assists, stands as a significant milestone in his professional career.
Jordan McLaughlin Family
Family Background
McLaughlin comes from a family with athletic background. His father, Thomas McLaughlin, played minor league baseball, providing Jordan with an early understanding of what it takes to pursue professional sports. His older sister, Amber, rounds out the immediate family. The McLaughlin family resided in the Southern California area during Jordan’s upbringing.
Personal Life
Beyond basketball, McLaughlin’s personal life remains relatively private. His social media presence, particularly on Instagram under the handle @itsmclaughlin11, provides fans with glimpses into his life outside of basketball. He maintains connections to his college roots at USC and has been involved in community activities during his professional career.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marks a transitional phase for McLaughlin as he joins the San Antonio Spurs organization. The February 2025 trade that brought him to San Antonio was part of a significant roster overhaul for the Kings and represented the Spurs’ continued effort to build around their young core. McLaughlin’s veteran experience brings stability to a relatively young team as they develop their identity.
His re-signing with the Spurs in July 2025 on a one-year, $3 million contract indicated the team’s confidence in his ability to contribute. The Spurs have been focused on developing young talent, particularly building around their franchise cornerstone, while also adding experienced players who can provide leadership in the locker room. McLaughlin fits this profile as a seasoned point guard who understands how to operate within a team system.
Looking ahead, McLaughlin’s role with the Spurs will likely center on providing depth at the point guard position and serving as a mentor to younger players. His career survival from undrafted free agent to multiple NBA contracts demonstrates his resilience and adaptability. As the 2025-2026 season approaches, McLaughlin will look to build on his professional accomplishments while helping the Spurs continue their development trajectory.