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OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - MARCH 15: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves handles the ball while being defended by Luguentz Dort #5 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half at Paycom Center on March 15, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)
The Minnesota Timberwolves have been in the league since 1989. Originally, the Lakers were in Minneapolis before moving to Los Angeles. It took quite a while for the NBA to put another franchise in Minnesota to replace them.
Right now, the Timberwolves are one of the best teams in the league. They have made back-to-back Western Conference Championship appearances. This year, they sit sixth in the Western Conference standings. They have struggled to stay atop the standings in the West.
The NBA is having a vote to explore potential expansion in a few years. That would expand the league from 30 to 32 teams. If that does happen, that could mean major changes for the Timberwolves.
The Timberwolves Could Switch Conferences
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Timberwolves could move to the Eastern Conference if the league approves expansion. The two new franchises would be located in Las Vegas and Seattle, so that would be two Western Conference teams.
The Timberwolves are already located close to other Eastern Conference teams. They are fairly close to the Bucks and the Bulls, so it would make sense if they are the team to move. The Grizzlies are the other team that could move to the East instead.
Surprisingly, the Pelicans aren’t one of the teams mentioned as ones that could move to the East. They are located close to the Florida teams, and they have struggled mightily in the Western Conference. If the Wolves moved to the East, they could thrive.
The Eastern Conference has been the weaker of the two conferences for most of the last decade, although that might be changing soon. Still, the Timberwolves are better than a lot of the teams in the East currently. This change wouldn’t happen until the 2028-29 season, if at all.
The expansion draft would also change how good the Timberwolves are. They would only be able to keep eight players protected on the roster, and they are guaranteed to lose at least one. That would hurt their ability to be at the top of the East.
Minnesota Would Have to Forge New Rivalries
If the Timberwolves were forced to move to the Eastern Conference, they would have to find new rivalries. Currently, they have a bit of a rivalry with the Nuggets because of how frequently they play them. They are in the same division, and they have faced of quite a bit in the playoffs.
Establishing new rivalries would take some time. Of course, Anthony Edwards continues to be one of the most exciting players in the league. He would be able to pick up a new rivalry very quickly. Edwards doesn’t back down from anyone in the league.
It wouldn’t be a tough transition for the franchise to make, but it’s also not one they have to deal with right now. This is still three years away from happening. The NBA Draft rules would likely change by then, as well. The NBA is about to undergo a lot of changes, but the Wolves are equipped to handle them well.