Tim Connelly Gets Honest About The Timberwolves' Free Agents In 2025 Offseason

Connelly has always stated that they want to retain their core group of players. That means Naz Reid, Julius Randle, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker will be encouraged to sign contract extensions.

With the improvements they want to make, that might not pan out. However, Connelly wants to convince all three players to sign, despite most people feeling Alexander-Walker might move to another team. 

Connelly Wants To Maintain The Core To Remain Competitive

With superstar Anthony Edwards as the focal point, the team must build a great team around him. They have done well with two consecutive Western Conference Finals appearances. However, they need to remain competitive with their roster. 

The team has the second apron looming over them, which will prevent their flexibility with roster building. Most people expect Reid and Randle to return, but retaining Alexander-Walker might be tougher, as he rightfully deserves a larger contract than before. 

Reid and Randle will likely get big-time extensions, but that is to be expected. That was why Connelly and the Timberwolves front office have been conservative outside of drafting and the failed pursuit of Kevin Durant. 

"What's exciting is when you have a good team and the guys want to be back here so we'll see. We have some limitations financially," Connelly said after the 2025 Draft. "We want to be sure to avoid that second apron, but we're really excited about the direction of our team and that the guys that are free all want to come back."

The Timberwolves Will Want To Keep Up With The Thunder

After losing to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals, the Timberwolves are prepared to keep up. It will be challenging because the Thunder are built to last, but Connelly is ready to keep fighting.

That will require some ambitious moves in the offseason. That might mean parting ways with some of the important players, but Randle and Reid will probably return. Alexander-Walker is likely on his way out, but he has expressed a desire to stay depending on his contract.

Surrounding Edwards with good talent is the goal, and it will be up to Connelly to learn where they can get that. Opportunities are there in the market, but the Timberwolves would love to pounce on a high-level point guard and more depth in every position.