The Minnesota Timberwolves will enter the offseason with numerous questions surrounding their personnel and roster shape for the upcoming season. Having suffered consecutive exits in the Western Conference Finals, it is apparent that some changes are due.
The Wolves underperformed, to some extent, this season. Although swapping Julius Randle and Karl-Anthony Towns was highly criticized, both players had a significant impact on their new teams. Randle, in particular, became a definitive force, guiding the team to several solid showings.
Unfortunately, this wasn't enough. Pairing the development of their star, Anthony Edwards, with an "alpha" type of player has become the priority for Minnesota. And while there is optimism that the team will invest heavily in retaining their core, there is a greater likelihood that change will follow all the same.
With a tricky salary cap situation, among other key players on the verge of entering the free agent market, we take a look at four players who could potentially leave the Wolves in the upcoming offseason.
Naz Reid
May 8, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid (11) reacts to a made shot during the first half against the Golden State Warriors during game two of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
May 8, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid (11) reacts to a made shot during the first half against the Golden State Warriors during game two of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
The first player that the Wolves will have a tough time keeping on the roster may be former 6MOTY, Naz Reid. Reid was one of Minnesota's most productive players coming off the bench. After a stellar season, showcasing his offensive versatility and floor-spacing skill, the 25-year-old has garnered a lot of attention from teams on the free agent market.
The Wolves forward has been one of the primary topics of discussion heading into the offseason. Heading into the final year of his contract, Reid has the right to exercise his player option and opt in to earn $15 million this season.
In the 2024-25 season, Reid recorded an average of 14.2 points and 6.0 rebounds on 46.2% shooting from the field and 37.9% shooting from beyond the arc. Minnesota would benefit from seeing the forward return on a cap-friendly deal. However, it has also become apparent that this grossly undervalues what the forward brings to the table.
Therefore, it is expected that the forward will opt out of his contract and test the waters of free agency. This aspect has seen him linked to a number of teams, including the Pistons and the Lakers.
Additionally, in a recent event, a leaked conversation with a fan revealed that the 25-year-old would be seeking a contract extension worth $100 million. Considering that Reid has expressed his commitment to Minnesota, even extending his services as a player off the bench if needed, the Wolves may not be able to afford him.
Julius Randle
Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) reacts against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half in game three of the Western Conference Finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center.
Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) reacts against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half in game three of the Western Conference Finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center.
Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
In a shocking turn of events, the Wolves may see their star player, Julius Randle, on the way out in the offseason. Randle was one of Minnesota's key players, paired next with Edwards. Unfortunately, a failed offseason run may see him seek new pastures in the summer.
A changed environment was also viewed favorably by the star, who felt burdened by the crowd in New York. Randle notched an average of 18.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 4.7 assists in the regular season. Given his dominance in the paint and his ability to stretch the floor at a moment's notice, the 30-year-old made for a terrific replacement for former Wolves forward Karl-Anthony Towns.
Unfortunately, Randle's inconsistencies, particularly in the offseason, became a pain point for the Wolves. This eventually resulted in losing games in the WCF, as his drop-off in output had a massive impact on the team's overall chances of winning.
Another important aspect is that the star forward will have a player option for the upcoming season. While a deal worth $30.9 million would be sweet for the former All-Star, there exists a scenario where he may choose to opt out of his contract and potentially walk away.
Considering that Minnesota would like to see some value in return for their player, they would be likely to engage in a sign-and-trade deal to gain key assets in return. A potential trade with the Pistons has been explored in this capacity.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker
Apr 27, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (9) passes in the third quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers during game four of the first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
Apr 27, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (9) passes in the third quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers during game four of the first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
© Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
Nickeil Alexander-Walker showed a lot of upside for the Timberwolves as a two-way player this season. As a legitimate three-point shooting threat, the guard consistently opened up the floor for the team's offense. And pairing this with his stubborn defensive work transformed him into a valuable asset.
Alexander-Walker's second full season in Minnesota has been better than his last. Having played all 82 games in the regular season, he was one of their most durable players as well. He recorded an average of 9.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists on 43.8% shooting from the field and 38.1% from beyond the arc.
While his numbers don't necessarily inspire much excitement, he has shown himself to be the prototypical role player every team needs. And with the Wolves, he was crucial in helping them make a deep playoff run.
However, Alexander-Walker will be a free agent heading into the offseason. And at a very cap-friendly contract, the 26-year-old is garnering a lot of attention from other teams in the league.
While it is still very possible for the Wolves to invest in bringing him back, the guard may simply opt to join a different team in the summer. As things stand, the Lakers appear to be the most likely landing spot if Minnesota fails to re-sign him.
Bones Hyland
Jan 22, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; LA Clippers guard Bones Hyland (5) talks to referee Rodney Mott (71) during the second quarter against the Boston Celtics at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images
Jan 22, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; LA Clippers guard Bones Hyland (5) talks to referee Rodney Mott (71) during the second quarter against the Boston Celtics at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images
The player that the Wolves are most likely to see heading out next season will be 24-year-old guard, Bones Hyland. After an interesting start to his career with the Denver Nuggets, Hyland showed a lot of upside as a backup point guard off the bench.
Unfortunately, this didn't translate into his performance after joining the Clippers, as his productivity fell off a cliff. After being traded from Los Angeles last season to the Wolves, Hyland only appeared in 4 games, not enough to establish his position on the roster. With a long list of DNP's and injuries keeping him sidelined, the guard could only put up an average of 6.2 points, 1.0 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in the regular season.
Having averaged 4.3 minutes per game for Minnesota, the 24-year-old recorded only 1.3 points per game. As a free agent, the Wolves may not show any interest in re-signing the guard due to uncertainties regarding his availability.
The Minnesota Timberwolves are not a weak team by any means. They have all the necessary pieces to succeed, but some restructuring will be required.
Retaining some players in this list would be considered ideal. But should Minnesota plan to bring in another star, it would be beneficial for them to recalibrate and appraise what their priorities will be for next season.
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