The Minnesota Timberwolves have spent the offseason looking a lot more like a group that actually enjoys being around each other.
That’s been one of the clearest themes since the summer began. The trade for LaMelo Ball gave Minnesota an electric backcourt, and the team’s reaction to the move has matched the buzz around it. No, the Wolves didn’t land LeBron James, but most fans knew that was never a realistic outcome.
What has stood out is how often the roster has been together. Sometimes it’s been the full group, other times just a few teammates at a time, but the bonding has been hard to miss after a season where the moodiness inside the club was noticeable.
The smiles have shown up everywhere. One of the biggest moments came when nearly the entire team traveled to France to visit Rudy Gobert, including the two-way players. Gobert later recapped the trip in a video he posted on social media, and Jaylen Clark also shared a two-part video on his YouTube channel.
Anthony Edwards appears to be leaning harder into a leadership role this year, and he’s already made a point of connecting with Ball now that they’re teammates. Edwards even said at Fanatics Fest in July that Ball stayed at his home for a few days.
That connection popped up again recently at Clark’s basketball camp for youth. Edwards showed up as a special guest, and the camp ended up singing “Happy Birthday” to Ball while Edwards FaceTimed him.
Even Donte DiVincenzo’s injury has been presented with a positive spin this offseason. After tearing his Achilles during last season’s playoffs, his recovery has been featured in two episodes of a series on the Timberwolves’ YouTube channel. On Tuesday, the team’s social media accounts also shared photos of him on the court.
Then Wednesday brought another boost, with the announcement that the Timberwolves signed Jonathan Kuminga. The team’s well-known need at starting power forward is now addressed, and Edwards and others were part of the recruiting effort. There’s every reason to expect Kuminga will be welcomed quickly into the mix.
A cheerful offseason doesn’t guarantee a special season. But it does matter that the Timberwolves have looked connected and upbeat with training camp approaching.
Last season’s mood swings showed up too often. If this energy carries over once the games start, the Wolves should be a much more enjoyable team to follow.
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