Timberwolves Look to (Mostly) Run It Back in 2025-26

Julius Randle Signed to 3-Year Deal

The team also reached an agreement with Julius Randle on a new three-year, $100 million contract, averaging roughly $33.3 million per year. While some fans are less enthusiastic about Randle’s return, it’s hard to argue that the deal isn’t fair, especially considering his talent and strong playoff performance.

No More NAW

These new deals for Reid and Randle signaled the end of Nickeil Alexander-Walker’s time in Minnesota. With the NBA’s strict salary cap rules, the Timberwolves simply don’t have the financial flexibility to offer him a contract that matches his value.

The same could be true for a couple of players off the Wolves’ bench. The team declined the options on Luka Garza and Josh Minott, though there are reports that Minnesota is interested in bringing Garza back on a new deal. The Celtics scooped up Minott on Tuesday.

Opportunities Available

With Alexander-Walker on his way out and fewer young players on the bench vying for minutes, more opportunities will open up for players like Terrence Shannon Jr., Rob Dillingham, and Jaylen Clark. While each saw playing time last season — including some playoff minutes — they’ll now have a real chance to prove they can contribute consistently to what’s become a perennial playoff team.

The Timberwolves Draft

The Timberwolves also added two rookies in last week’s NBA Draft.

In the first round, with the 17th pick, they selected seven-footer Joan Beringer from France. The 18-year-old has reportedly only been playing basketball for a few years, but he’s already turning heads as a raw but elite athlete with intriguing defensive potential and promising ball skills. In the second round, Minnesota picked Rocco Zikarsky, another 18-year-old seven-footer — this one from Australia — who has drawn favorable comparisons to players like Isaiah Hartenstein, Dereck Lively II, and Zach Edey.

Could there be more?

With the draft complete and both Reid and Randle signed to new deals, it’s starting to look like the current roster will be the one the Timberwolves take into October. Still, with Tim Connelly steering basketball operations — and given his track record for making bold trades — there’s always the chance something unexpected could happen.

If this does mark the end of Minnesota’s major offseason moves, the Timberwolves will return a roster that has made back-to-back Western Conference Finals appearances and remains a legitimate threat in the West.