The Minnesota Timberwolves are, for the most part, running back a team that reached the last two Western Conference finals.
They furthered their commitment to the core around superstar Anthony Edwards by re-signing Julius Randle and Naz Reid to remain the next two scorers in the pecking order.
Edwards has vowed to raise his defensive intensity and ball-handling reliability after focusing over the summer on the complementary parts of his game in pursuit of an MVP award and the franchise’s first title. The Wolves have the ability and the continuity to challenge reigning champion Oklahoma City after being eliminated by the Thunder last season.
The one key player from last year’s core that left in free agency is wing Nikeil Alexander-Walker, who’s now an Atlanta Hawk.
Our Darren ‘Doogie’ Wolfson caught up with former NBA center and ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins to get a national perspective on the 2025-2026 Wolves.
**_\*\*\*Click the video box above to watch our conversation with Perkins previewing the season\*\*\*_**
Last season: 49-33, lost to Oklahoma City 4-1 in Western Conference finals.
COACH: Chris Finch (6th season, 209-160).
SEASON OPENER: Wednesday night at Portland.
DEPARTURES: G Nickeil Alexander-Walker, C Luka Garza, F Josh Minott.
ADDITIONS: F Joan Beringer, G Johnny Juzang, C Rocco Zikarsky.
BetMGM championship odds: 13-1.
_The Associated Press contributed to this report_