Timberwolves seem to be in win-now mode after latest move

Center Naz Reid also agreed to a five-year, $125M deal with the Timberwolves on Friday. Both moves send a clear message: Minnesota believes it's in win-now mode.

The Timberwolves made a second consecutive Western Conference Finals appearance last season. Along with star guard Anthony Edwards — who earned a 2024-25 second-team All-NBA selection — Randle and Reid were key to their success. 

Minnesota dealt center Karl-Anthony Towns for Randle in a September 2024 trade with the New York Knicks. Randle started the season slow but caught fire after returning from a right adductor strain on March 2.

In his last 21 games of the regular season, he averaged 18.2 points, 6.8 rebounds and 5.2 assists while shooting an above-average 52.3 percent from the field, according to Charania. The Timberwolves went 17-4 during this stretch. 

Reid, meanwhile, continued to improve after winning 2023-24 Sixth Man of the Year. In 80 regular-season games, he recorded a career-high 14.2 PPG while shooting 46.2 percent from the field.   

Paying both stars will devour cap space. Spotrac estimated the Timberwolves were $47.14M over the salary cap before the Reid and Randle signings. They still had $60.23M in second apron space. 

It's fair to wonder if Minnesota should've saved more cap room to bolster its roster. The Timberwolves seemed outmatched in the 2025 Western Conference Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, which they lost in five games. 

Minnesota, however, clearly feels it can win its first championship. And with the futures of their key pieces solidified, perhaps the Timberwolves will break through next season.