Timberwolves Lead Decision-Maker ‘Locked In’ With Contract

Last year, Minnesota agreed to restructure Connelly’s contract, moving the date of his potential opt-out out a year.

Favored in both media and basketball circles, Connelly’s name has come up in connection with multiple vacancies this offseason. When the Atlanta Hawks parted ways with former general manager Landry Fields, Connelly was on their wishlist of replacements, per HoopsHype insider Michael Scotto. His name was expected to echo in his old stomping grounds following former general manager Calvin Booth’s dismissal, based on reporting by The Athletic’s Sam Amick and Tony Jones.

All Connelly could say in June was: “(Minnesota) feels like home. … I think you guys are stuck with me.” (h/t Krawczynski)

Connelly’s Most Controversial Decision

Since being hired by the Timberwolves in May 2022, Connelly’s most discussed move was his decision to trade Karl-Anthony Towns.  This was at least partially due to Towns’ status. After leaving a blue blood Kentucky program, he was drafted with the first overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft. He hit the ground running, looking like Minnesota’s most promising draft pick since 1995 No. 5 pick Kevin Garnett.

Eventually, the Wolves began to cool on Towns, who had seemingly peaked in his fourth season. Then, thanks to mounting injuries and losses, they were able to add Edwards with the first overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. Like Towns, Edwards was an impact player from Year 1 and has risen rapidly through the NBA ranks. The difference so far is that Edwards has been able to lead Minnesota to the doorstep of the NBA Finals, with or without Towns.

In fact, the Timberwolves had reached the Western Conference Finals in back-to-back seasons. Towns was around for the battle in 2024, but his replacement –three-time All-Star, Julius Randle –was the x-factor in the 2025 NBA Playoffs.

Julius Randle’s Vindication

Randle was going through the ringer at this time last year. Many were understandably concerned about how his skillset would fit with their current core. He was strangely half-square peg and half-round peg; his perimeter shooting and defense were problematic but his ability to create for himself and others was beneficial.

His debut season with Minnesota was the tale of two halves too. At first, his and the team’s performances were jagged. The situation in the locker room sounded rocky. Eventually, Randle’s name began to resurface in trade rumors, particularly when Jimmy Butler became available. Ironically, the injury that sidelined Randle around this time became the portal through which he could see an alternate reality, one in which he was consistently praised for his contributions.

In the 2025 NBA Playoffs, Randle made good on his goal of being more involved as a playmaker. On top of that, his physicality and scoring prowess were exactly what the Timberwolves needed to take pressure off of Edwards. Connelly’s madness was genius after all.

With the 30-year-old signing a three-year, $100 million contract extension with Minnesota this summer, all signs point to Minnesota running it back with their current core.