Despite reaching the Western Conference Finals in two consecutive seasons, the Minnesota Timberwolves are at somewhat of a crossroads heading into the offseason.
They have lost both Conference Finals appearances in five games, losing to the Dallas Mavericks two years ago before falling by the same margin to the Oklahoma City Thunder this season. Both appearances raised significant questions about Minnesota’s capability of competing at the final stages of the NBA season, despite impressive strides taken to get that deep into the playoffs.
But what can the Wolves do to close the gap with the Thunder? Oklahoma City has three young stars, many team-friendly contracts, and several remaining first-round picks to improve the roster. By comparison, the Wolves have one young superstar but a mixed collection of ages and too many players who can only impact games on one end of the court.
So, is there anything Minnesota can do to reach OKC’s level?
Prioritize youth
The Thunder’s best advantage is their youthful, athletic core. Minnesota has already invested time and resources in aging veterans, but that might not be the most productive route for them moving forward.
Mike Conley will be 38 in October and declined last year, while Gobert will turn 33 this month and signed an extension last season. Still, the Wolves might benefit from a younger group to match the Thunder’s energy.
A younger core also better matches Anthony Edwards’ timeline and energy. Edwards has spent two seasons learning how to win playoff games, and could be ready to progress with a younger, more athletic-looking roster.
Re-sign Naz Reid
Naz Reid’s development story from undrafted to what may be a nine-figure contract is one of the NBA’s feel-good stories.
Still, it would feel better if that career continues in Minnesota.
Reid will likely command somewhere between $25 and $30 million a year, perhaps more. Reid’s return would ensure frontcourt depth and retain some of the scoring punch necessary to compete with the best teams in the league, despite some of his struggles during the Western Conference Finals, where he shot just 22% from three.
Use Randle’s cap space effectively
Julius Randle has probably played himself into a longer, more secure contract through his performances in the first two rounds of the playoffs. The Wolves must now decide what he’s worth, given that he will likely turn down his $31 million player option and look for something longer.
However, given the lack of cap space around the league, especially with teams likely to want Randle’s skillset, the Wolves might have some leverage to barter at that price. Unlike the much younger Reid, Randle is unlikely to be in high demand.
That means the Wolves could re-sign him with a team-friendly deal or sign and trade him to another team. They have shown interest in Kevin Durant, but at 37, Durant would be a significant risk. It would be an even bigger swing to requiring to win in the next year or two.
Either way, the Wolves must use that cap space to remain competitive and get as close as possible to the Thunder.
Add playmaking
Playmaking has been an issue for the Wolves for many seasons, and turnovers have been one of their biggest offensive issues. While the Wolves have Ant and Randle to initiate offense, the situation is limited outside of that, particularly as Conley has gotten older. And since Nickeil Alexander-Walker will likely leave the Wolves this season, they will lose some of their secondary playmakers.
If the Wolves don’t add another playmaker, Rob Dillingham will likely have to play more minutes. They traded up to 8 for him in the 2024 draft. However, he’s struggled to earn consistent minutes with his lack of size and defensive issues. With Alexander-Walker likely on the way out, Dillingham could have more opportunities to play a role off the bench next season. And they could likely do with his playmaking and scoring punch from the bench.
Leverage internal development
Closing the gap to the Thunder will also probably require internal leaps. Minnesota has a collection of young players ready to play more minutes, and they also have picks 17 and 31 in this year’s draft. If they choose to take players at those spots, they will have another two players to find space for in and around the rotation.
The Thunder have significantly benefited from young players on smaller contracts outperforming expectations. Given the challenges the second apron presents, teams will probably have to rely on these smaller contracts to fill out their rotations, possibly even playing in starting roles.
Minnesota must find minutes for players like Dillingham, Jaylen Clark, Terrence Shannon Jr., Leonard Miller, and Josh Minott to pad out the bench. That will be especially crucial if the Wolves re-sign Randle and Reid and have little to no cap space before next season.
Tim Connelly’s job this summer is far from enviable. They can run the same team back (mostly), hoping continuity and experience can push them past the Western Conference Finals. Or, they can retool a little around younger players on the roster who more closely match Anthony Edwards’ timeline.
The franchise’s first-ever NBA Finals berth has eluded the Wolves, but it’s not out of reach, no matter what they choose. Smart choices, and perhaps a bit of luck regarding matchups, could be the catalyst they need to make that next step. Connelly has huge decisions to make, and a GM who has never been afraid of unpopular moves and taking risks will command attention this summer.