What moves are the Minnesota Timberwolves going to make this summer to get over the hump?
After back-to-back Western Conference Finals appearances, the Wolves are eager to address roster weaknesses and pair Anthony Edwards with a formidable co-star.
However, with limited draft capital and a complex salary cap situation, Minnesota’s front office, led by Tim Connelly, will have its work cut out.
Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus recently outlined the Timberwolves’ challenges and potential trade for Phoenix Suns superstar Kevin Durant:
“The Timberwolves have several decisions this summer with three potential key free agents. Julius Randle ($30.9 million) and Naz Reid ($15 million) may opt out of their final years, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker will be an unrestricted free agent. The challenge is that only the Brooklyn Nets have significant spending power and may not target Minnesota’s players.”
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“If not, the most it will be able to get elsewhere is the projected $14.1 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception, unless a team like the Detroit Pistons trades into cap room (possibly moving Isaiah Stewart II),” Pincus continued.
“Assuming Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert, and Jaden McDaniels aren’t available, the Timberwolves would need Randle to opt in to make a trade viable. Others such as Rob Dillingham, Mike Conley, Terrence Shannon Jr. or Donte DiVincenzo would need to be included as outgoing salary. Without Randle, Minnesota would need to include one of Gobert or McDaniels. The greater challenge is draft compensation. Outside of Nos. 17 and 31 in the draft, most of the Timberwolves’ future picks are spoken for. On paper, a deal between (the Wolves and Suns) seems built on the concept that Phoenix really wants Randle (and he opts in).”
The Wolves’ interest in Durant is well-documented, with reports from ESPN’s Shams Charania and others confirming Minnesota’s aggressive pursuit at the February 2025 trade deadline and plans to revisit talks this summer.
Durant, a two-time NBA champion and former MVP, would form a dynamic duo with Edwards, alleviating offensive pressure and addressing Minnesota’s need for consistent shot creation, a flaw exposed against OKC.
To land Durant, whose $54.7 million salary for 2025-26 demands significant matching, it sounds like the Wolves would need Randle to opt into his $30.9 million player option. A package could then include Randle, DiVincenzo ($11.8 million), and young prospects like Dillingham or Shannon Jr., along with the No. 17 or No. 31 pick in the 2025 draft.
However, Phoenix’s interest in Randle remains uncertain. Without Randle opting in, the Wolves would face the tough choice of including Gobert, whose defensive value is critical, or McDaniels, a cornerstone wing they’ve refused to part with in past talks.
Minnesota’s limited draft assets complicate matters. The Suns, seeking to retool around Devin Booker, may demand more than Minnesota can offer, especially with competitors like the Spurs and Rockets in the mix.
Still, Durant’s reported mutual interest in Minnesota, fueled by his bond with Edwards from the 2024 Olympics, gives the Wolves leverage.
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