The Timberwolves have finished their summer league run, and the roster picture is starting to sharpen. Minnesota wrapped up Friday with a comeback attempt that came up short in overtime, leaving the team at 2-3 for the event.
That slate gave fans a look at Joan Beringer in his lone appearance, along with Minnesota’s two 2026 draft picks and the three players who finished last season on two-way contracts. Isaiah Evans has already locked in a four-year deal, while second-rounder Trey Kaufman-Renn is expected to land on a two-way contract.
That leaves one more two-way opening, unless Zyon Pullin gets a standard deal, which is still a possibility. At that point, the decision appears to narrow to two familiar names: Enrique Freeman and Rocco Zikarsky. And after what happened in summer league, Freeman may be the one on the outside.
Zikarsky has a clear path working in his favor. Minnesota does not currently have a third-string center, so if injuries hit Rudy Gobert or Beringer during the regular season, the Timberwolves could need Zikarsky to step into NBA minutes. That kind of depth matters, especially with a big body who can potentially fill a role right away.
The 45th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Zikarsky is listed at 7-foot-3 and has shown some stretch-big ability. His three-point shooting wasn’t there in summer league, but after a sluggish start he settled in and played better over the final three games.
Freeman, by contrast, had a quieter week. The 6-foot-9 forward will turn 26 on July 29, and he reached double figures only twice in five games. He remains a solid rebounder, which matters for Minnesota after the offseason departures of Julius Randle and Naz Reid, but he hasn’t shown the same ceiling as Zikarsky.
There is still a scenario where Minnesota keeps both players. If the Timberwolves give Pullin a standard contract, that would open enough room for Freeman and Zikarsky to stay on two-way deals. Even so, that may not be the cleanest answer with the team’s cap situation and its need for extra frontcourt help.
Another name in the mix is Nate Santos, who could also be in line for a two-way spot. The 24-year-old was scorching from beyond the arc in summer league, hitting 51.5 percent of his 3-point attempts.
For now, though, Freeman looks like the likeliest odd man out. If Minnesota doesn’t keep him, he could still wind up with the Iowa Wolves in the G League, provided another team doesn’t step in. He may also get another chance to make his case when preseason games arrive in October.
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The question is whether that defensive utility can hold up if the shot never fully comes around. Clarks spot in the lineup has been tied to his three-point consistency, and his ability to stay on the floor will likely hinge on becoming a more reliable catch-and-shoot option. If that part of his game clicks, he has a path to a much bigger role in Minnesota. [Read more 🡒]
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That is why the next stretch matters so much for Chris Finch and the core around him. Finch will have to coach differently, Anthony Edwards will need to approach the season differently, and any new addition such as LaMelo Ball would have to be shaped into the best possible fit. Even then, the Wolves would still be betting on Ball to avoid the habits that have raised concerns before, while getting steadier play from Jaden McDaniels and TJ Shannon Jr. along the way. [Read more 🡒]
Thunder Just Made Another Move Wolves Fans Needed To See
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For the Timberwolves, the bigger question is what all of that means when the Western Conference race tightens up. Oklahoma City still has the look of a contender, but every move that chips away at its defensive versatility gives Minnesota a little more reason to believe there is room to close the gap, especially in a conference where margins can swing quickly from one roster decision to the next. [Read more 🡒]