Minnesota’s offseason has already been loud, and Tim Connelly just turned the volume up another notch.
The Timberwolves’ general manager took a bold swing at the team’s outlook, saying, “Why not us? Every year it's been a different champion for a long time now… I think we have a real chance and there's only five or six rooms in the league that really think they have a chance, and we're one of them,” per The Jon Krawczynski Show, via Hoopshype.
That confidence comes after a major reshaping of the roster. Minnesota brought in LaMelo Ball in a blockbuster trade with the Charlotte Hornets and moved Julius Randle to the Brooklyn Nets in a salary dump. The idea behind those moves is clear: give Anthony Edwards more breathing room and ease some of the burden of making the offense go on the perimeter.
But there’s a real case to be made that the Wolves have traded one set of problems for another.
One of the biggest reasons Minnesota has been so tough in recent seasons was its physical edge. That mattered in last year’s first-round win over the Denver Nuggets.
Now, with both Randle and Naz Reid gone, the frontcourt looks noticeably smaller. Jaden McDaniels is expected to slide to the four, while Ayo Dosunmu slots in at small forward.
Randle came with obvious flaws, especially once the playoffs arrived, but he still gave Minnesota something valuable: a strong post presence who could punish smaller defenders and work alongside Rudy Gobert near the basket. That kind of muscle is hard to replace.
The Ball move brings a different kind of risk. Minnesota also gave up part of its defensive identity in the deal, since Ball is not known for his work as a stopper. The Wolves are betting that his playmaking and shooting make up for it, but that’s still more theory than proof.
There’s no question Ball gives Edwards a perimeter creator with a skill set unlike anyone else he’s played with. His deep range and passing ability could unlock new possibilities.
Still, the warning signs are obvious. Ball has a history of turnovers and questionable shot selection, and his playoff résumé doesn’t inspire much confidence after repeated play-in blowouts with the Hornets.
So while it makes sense that Minnesota felt pressure to do something after taking a step back this season, the question remains the same one hovering over Connelly’s optimistic vision: whether swapping out Randle and adding Ball is enough to push the Timberwolves over the top in the West.
In Other News...
Georges Niang Feels Like A Timberwolves Fit For One Big Reason
Tim Connellys comments about the Timberwolves exploring the free-agent market for help at power forward add a little more clarity to a spot that still feels open. Minnesota does not need a splashy name as much as it needs a player who can slide into a defined role, and Georges Niang has long fit that description. He has built his value as a low-usage forward who can space the floor, keep the offense moving and hold up enough defensively to stay on the court.
Niangs appeal is tied to the kind of basketball Minnesota wants around its core. He has shown he can contribute as a role player without needing touches, which makes him easy to picture in a supporting lane rather than as a featured piece. The one concern is freshness after a lost year, but if the Timberwolves are looking for a stable veteran fit instead of a higher-risk swing, Niang checks a lot of the right boxes. [Read more 🡒]
Clippers Face A Jonathan Kuminga Reality They May Not Like
Jonathan Kumingas next stop still has a few possible destinations, but the market around him has clearly tightened. After his team option was declined and he moved into unrestricted free agency, the forward has been in contract talks while interest from several teams has cooled, leaving a smaller group of contenders still in the mix. He is reportedly aiming for a deal worth at least $20 million per year, along with a meaningful role wherever he lands.
For Minnesota, that keeps the door open on a player who would fit the age and upside profile this front office has tended to chase. The Timberwolves are still part of the conversation, but any serious run at Kuminga would likely require some roster maneuvering to make the money work, which adds another layer to an already complicated pursuit. With the asking price high and the competition narrowed, the Wolves are watching a market that may force them to decide how aggressive they really want to be. [Read more 🡒]