After suffering consecutive Western Conference finals defeats, the Minnesota Timberwolves have some big decisions to make this offseason.
In particular, president of basketball operations Tim Connelly has to determine the viability of keeping Naz Reid and Julius Randle in Minnesota on new contracts, as both players are set to hit free agency this summer. Given the unique skillsets both players have to offer, other teams are sure to covet Randle and Reid when - or if - they hit the open market.
Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch though was adamant Tuesday that Minnesota would retain the two prized free-agents-to-be, telling reporters he "absolutely" expected Randle and Reid to don Wolves uniforms when the 2025-26 season tips off.
Reid, who turns 26 in August, has spent his entire six-year career in Minnesota and was named the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year in 2024. He can return to Minnesota on a one-year contract next season if he exercises the $15 million player option in his contract.
Noted for his versatility and his ability to stretch the floor, the 6'9'' Reid has become a lethal long-range shooter - in the past two seasons, he has made 39.5 percent of his 3-point attempts.
Reid scored a career-best 14.2 points per game across 80 regular-season appearances in 2024-25. He has said that he sees himself as a starter, in Minnesota or elsewhere, but will prioritize championship contention if he signs a long-term deal.
Minnesota acquired Randle from the New York Knicks in the Karl-Anthony Towns blockbuster trade last October. The three-time All-Star has a $30 million player option in his contract, meaning he too could avoid the market entirely.
Randle this season averaged 18.7 points per game - his lowest average in seven years. But Randle's efficient shooting and reliable 3-point shot helped Minnesota space the floor effectively for star guard Anthony Edwards, and the 11-year veteran shot better than 50 percent from the floor in the playoffs while averaging better than 21 points per game.
Most importantly though, top executive Connelly has revealed that Randle and Reid want to stay, leading to "cautious optimism" that new agreements will be reached soon.
"We’re very appreciative of what the market might look like," Connelly said earlier this month. "We’re pretty cautiously optimistic we’re in a good place with all of the guys. Most importantly, they want to be here."