Minnesota’s offseason makeover has brought a new layer of optimism to the Timberwolves, and Tim Connelly isn’t shy about where he thinks the franchise can go from here.
At Media Day, the Timberwolves president talked through the roster shakeup that sent several key veterans out the door and brought LaMelo Ball and Jonathan Kuminga into the mix. Connelly framed the moves as part of a bigger plan, not just a quick fix.
"We always said we'd only make a deal if we thought it would make us better, not just here and now, for the long term," Connelly said. "We think kind of the age appropriateness of LaMelo with this young core will fit very well."
Connelly described Ball as the kind of player who changes the flow of an offense without needing the ball every trip down the floor. He said Ball’s feel for the game, his ability to create easier looks for teammates and his shooting should open things up for Anthony Edwards, especially when Edwards is operating in isolation. Connelly also pointed to Ball’s off-ball gravity and three-point range as reasons the offense should become more free-flowing with a true point guard in place.
The discussion around Kuminga came with a more cautious note, at least when it came to the long-term picture. Connelly acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding a future contract but made it clear the Timberwolves are focused on what’s in front of them now.
"If we have team success, everyone will be taken care of financially. So we're just excited that he's here," Connelly said.
Chris Finch echoed that sense of purpose, while making it clear the Timberwolves are not treating any of this as automatic. The head coach said the team’s offseason changes are about more than personnel - they’re about altering the way Minnesota can play on both sides of the ball.
Finch had plenty of praise for Ball’s fit alongside Edwards.
"He's a pass-first guard that can score it. He plays with good tempo.
He's an elite talent," Finch said. "He brings a joy to the game.
I think that's always fun to be around. And he's got a fast chemistry with Anthony, which is important, but also a fast chemistry with everybody."
That connection, Finch said, came naturally.
"They're both kind of outgoing, bubbly personalities that seemingly attracted each other from the jump," Finch said. "I think their games complement each other very well."
Connelly also singled out Edwards’ trajectory, saying the Timberwolves star has the kind of ceiling that could put him in rare company.
He said Edwards' ceiling is to be one of the best to ever play in the NBA.
Finch, meanwhile, said the team is approaching the season with no illusions about what it will take to turn the new-look roster into something real. After all the changes, nothing is being taken for granted.
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