The Timberwolves’ High-Stakes Offseason

The 2026 NBA offseason was unlike any other on the trade market. It operated like a game of musical chairs, with star players moving from one team to another.

Several NBA contenders made drastic moves this offseason. Those teams included the Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, and Boston Celtics.

These moves were often made to change how teams played compared to their previous season’s game plan. The Minnesota Timberwolves made arguably the largest and most under-the-radar moves of the 2026 offseason.

Two moves could determine the franchise’s success going forward. Those moves include trading for star point guard LaMelo Ball and signing free agent Jonathan Kuminga.

To understand the decision-making behind these moves, it is important to look back at where the Timberwolves were one offseason ago.

The Timberwolves Entered The 2025-26 Season As Contenders

The Minnesota Timberwolves entered the 2025-26 NBA season as championship contenders. They were also the runners-up in the 2025 Western Conference Finals.

Their starting five featured All-Star guard Anthony Edwards, former star center Rudy Gobert, former star forward Julius Randle, guard Donte DiVincenzo, and forward Jaden McDaniels.

This was a starting five with high expectations and plenty of potential. The Timberwolves had previously exceeded expectations during the 2025 NBA playoffs.

Minnesota eliminated the third-seeded Los Angeles Lakers in five games. The Timberwolves then defeated the seventh-seeded Golden State Warriors in five games.

Their playoff run eventually ended against the eventual champion Oklahoma City Thunder. The Thunder defeated Minnesota in five games during the Western Conference Finals.

The Timberwolves finished the 2025-26 regular season with 49 wins. That record was good enough for the sixth seed in a competitive Western Conference.

The Timberwolves’ 2026 Playoff Run

The Timberwolves started the 2026 playoffs strongly. They surprised many by eliminating the third-seeded Denver Nuggets in six games.

However, injuries would become a major problem for Minnesota. Several players dealt with injuries during the series, including Donte DiVincenzo.

DiVincenzo suffered a season-ending torn Achilles injury. His absence created another challenge for the Timberwolves heading into the second round.

Minnesota’s next opponent was the young and rising San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs entered the series as the Western Conference’s second seed.

The Timberwolves struggled against San Antonio and lost the series in six games. The result sent Minnesota into an offseason filled with questions.

The Spurs effectively handled Minnesota’s frontcourt presence. All-Star big man and shot blocker Victor Wembanyama dominated the Timberwolves offensively and defensively throughout the series.

Several key Timberwolves players also struggled to make an impact. Former All-Star Julius Randle was among the players who faced criticism after the disappointing series.