The Minnesota Timberwolves have been securing players right and left as they look to continue contending with Oklahoma City and other powerhouses in the Western Conference.
On Friday, the exciting news hit that they would re-sign Julius Randle to a multi-year deal, bringing their star forward back for another run alongside Anthony Edwards. On Monday, the team and fans were in for another great revelation when Naz Reid re-signed on a multi-year deal.
With those recent deals and the addition of two new draft picks in French center Joan Beringer and Australian center Rocco Zikarsky, there seems to be a lot of positive moves happening for Minnesota this offseason.
Apr 3, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Luka Garza (55) looks on during the fourth quarter against the Toronto Raptors at Target Center.
Apr 3, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Luka Garza (55) looks on during the fourth quarter against the Toronto Raptors at Target Center.
Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
However, with multiple big men re-signing and getting drafted, it seemed inevitable that the team wouldn't keep all of its 2024-25 roster intact. On Monday, ESPN's NBA insider ShamsCharania reported that center Luka Garza is signing a two-year deal with the Boston Celtics worth $5.5 million.
Garza, who entered the league in 2021 after being drafted by Detroit, spent the past four seasons with the Timberwolves. His first season with Minnesota was his best there, but his playing time dropped in the past two seasons, leading to lower numbers.
Garza averaged 4.5 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 0.4 blocks in 6.3 minutes played per game over his three seasons with the Wolves.
Earlier on Monday, Hoops Hype's Michael Scotto indicated that Minnesota wouldn't pick up the $2.35 million player option for Garza for next season. In addition, Scotto reported the team wouldn't pick up Josh Minott's $2.19 million option.
On Reddit's Timberwolves subreddit, some individuals expressed disappointment at seeing a fan favorite leave the team. Still, many others shared positive opinions about him now getting a more significant opportunity with Boston.
"Happy for him. He might actually have a chance at minutes with how thin the Celtics are at center," one commenter wrote.
Another fan commented, "Make the most of your minutes Garza! I'll be rooting for you!"
"His revenge game against us isn't gonna be fun," another commenter said.
"I'm glad he got paid. Watch him get playing time and carry Boston to another banner," one fan joked in a comment.
Garza leaves a contending Timberwolves team for a Celtics team that is in disarray. While Boston was among the favorites to capture the championship last season, an unfortunate injury sidelined star player Jayson Tatum. Ultimately, they lost to the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Since then, the team traded former NBA All-Star Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers and big man Kristaps Porzingis to the Atlanta Hawks. There are also rumors about Al Horford joining a new team, suggesting a roster reconstruction for next season without Tatum.