After reaching the Western Conference Finals for the second year in a row, the Minnesota Timberwolves now face several important decisions to make during the upcoming offseason, as their playoff run has come to an end.
Mark Deeks of HoopsHype and Bobby Marks of ESPN have both provided insightful previews of what lies ahead for Minnesota this summer.
Deeks points out that if big men Julius Randle and Naz Reid both choose to exercise their player options, the Timberwolves will have as many as seven players under contract with salaries in the eight-figure range.
He also believes that the current contracts on the roster fairly reflect the players’ contributions and value on the court. However, Deeks suggests that if Randle does pick up his option, a trade involving him could be on the horizon.
Regarding Naz Reid, Deeks mentions the possibility of a contract extension after the NBA Draft, but notes that Reid might secure a more lucrative deal if he declines his option and enters free agency.
Marks highlights that the limited nature of the current free-agent market might encourage both Randle and Reid to opt into their contracts for now.
He also points out that nearly half of NBA teams could have substantial salary cap space available by 2026, which could impact Minnesota’s long-term planning.
Additionally, Marks suggests that the development of rookie wing Terrence Shannon Jr. could influence roster decisions, possibly making another free agent, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, expendable.
Given that 16 teams currently can offer Alexander-Walker the $14.1 million non-taxpayer midlevel exception, his future with the Timberwolves appears uncertain.
Timberwolves Notes: Offseason, Game 5, Conley, Edwards, Free Agents https://t.co/TnGWJhCl3m pic.twitter.com/0oZGJzgrOZ
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) May 30, 2025
