The NBA season kicks off on October 21, and with it comes the tradition of 30 previews in 30 days. As always, we will scrutinize each team in the league, analyzing this summer’s movements, rosters, projections, and predictions. Today, we focus on the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Last Season’s Performance
- 2024-25 Record: Minnesota Timberwolves
The Timberwolves had an upward trajectory this past season, though it wasn’t enough. After hinting at being contenders the previous year, Minnesota aimed to solidify its standing among the elite. With a record of 49 wins and 33 losses, they finished sixth in the Western Conference, feeling both close yet still distant from ultimate success.
The season began sluggishly, marked by injuries and offensive inconsistencies, but a revival took place in the spring. The return of Julius Randle ignited the team, Anthony Edwards was on fire, leading the Timberwolves to a spectacular finish: 17 wins out of their last 21 games. This positive momentum set the stage for a confident playoff run, bolstered by Rudy Gobert’s defense.
The first round was swift, with the Los Angeles Lakers being swiftly eliminated by a formidable defense and a well-functioning team. Riding on the injury of Stephen Curry, Minnesota pushed past the Golden State Warriors with sheer grit. However, their playoff journey came to a halting stop against the powerhouse Oklahoma City Thunder, plagued by turnovers and a lack of experience, with Edwards left to fend for himself under pressure.
While the team’s playoff run was encouraging, it was also frustrating. The Timberwolves possess a generational leader, a solid defensive identity, and a passionate fanbase, yet until they achieve consistent offensive performance and manage critical moments better, their path to the NBA Finals remains challenging. The summer of 2025 is crucial: it needs to be about adjustments around Edwards, clarifying roles, and transforming potential into performance.
Summer Market Movements
- Departures: Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Luka Garza, Josh Minott
- Extensions: Julius Randle, Naz Reid, Joe Ingles, Bones Hyland
- Additions: Joan Beringer, Enrique Freeman (Two-Way contract), Jules Bernard, Alize Johnson, Johnny Juzang, Zyon Pullin, Rocco Zikarsky (Two-Way contract)
This summer has been relatively quiet on paper, almost too quiet. No major trades, no impactful signings, and no significant upheavals. For a team vying for the top of the Western Conference, this raises questions.
While Minnesota hasn’t lost any key players, it hasn’t made notable additions either. The extensions of Randle and Reid signal stability, but they are bets on the familiar. There’s been no experienced playmaker to ease the burden on the aging Mike Conley (37 years old), no sharpshooter added to enhance Edwards’ game, and the bench remains largely unchanged.
The incoming players appear to be low-risk rotation bets. Joan Beringer has drawn intrigue, while Rocco Zikarsky represents a long-term project. The likes of Enrique Freeman, Zyon Pullin, and Johnny Juzang add to internal competition but are not expected to shift playoff dynamics. In essence, there have been many foundational signings but no game-changing moves.
This cautious approach may be a risk. The Timberwolves are relying on the organic development of their young talents and the further emergence of Anthony Edwards, yet without raising their immediate ceiling. After several seasons of “almost there,” the management opted for prudence where many expected a bold move—such as acquiring a younger playmaker, a reliable shooter, or a strong defensive backup, especially following Alexander-Walker’s departure.
The summer feels more like a pause than a push forward. Minnesota remains solid, but in a constantly changing Western Conference, inaction can sometimes lead to regression.
Timberwolves’ 2025-26 Roster
- Guards: Mike Conley, Rob Dillingham, Bones Hyland, Zyon Pullin, Tristen Newton (Two-Way contract)
- Forwards: Anthony Edwards, Donte DiVincenzo, Jaylen Clark, Johnny Juzang
- Small Forwards: Jaden McDaniels, Terrence Shannon Jr, Joe Ingles, Alize Johnson
- Power Forwards: Julius Randle, Leonard Miller, Enrique Freeman (Two-Way contract)
- Centers: Rudy Gobert, Naz Reid, Joan Beringer, Rocco Zikarsky (Two-Way contract)
Bold indicates projected starters, according to reliable sources.
Finding a successful formula can be challenging. Chris Finch is likely to kick off the season with a solid lineup of Conley, Edwards, McDaniels, Randle, and Gobert. This experienced squad has good balance and familiarity, although some positions may quickly change depending on performance.
Conley remains the tactical leader; however, with Rob Dillingham entering his second year, a transition seems imminent. Dillingham has already shown he can energize the offense and quicken the pace. Off the bench, Bones Hyland promises instant scoring.
On the perimeter, Edwards is undoubtedly the key player. As the franchise player and a vocal leader, he’s on the verge of becoming an All-NBA icon, and he will need to carry the team through the rugged Western Conference. Alongside him, McDaniels contributes elite defense and versatility, while Terrence Shannon Jr. could emerge as an X-factor if he finds consistency.
In the post, Randle remains an enigma despite a strong playoff showing—capable of explosive performances or quick fouls, sometimes in the same week. However, his partnership with Gobert fared well last season, especially as Randle often prioritized team contributions. Naz Reid will continue to be the bench’s offensive spark, while rookies Beringer, Freeman, and Zikarsky will need patience before making a significant impact in the NBA.
In summary, Minnesota is betting on stability and internal growth. While the starting lineup remains unchanged, promising young players are waiting in the wings. The real challenge will be to avoid stagnation: maintaining the core while enhancing consistency and minimizing performance gaps.
Key Players to Watch this Season
Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle are the names to keep an eye on.
There’s no need to overthink it: Anthony Edwards is the obvious standout for the Timberwolves. Coming off an All-NBA season, he averaged nearly 27 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists with a dependable consistency, making him a near-given in any fantasy context. When he’s on fire, he’s explosive, scoring 40 points with significant shot volume and the ability to contribute even when the team struggles. He ticks all the boxes for the ideal player: high usage, extensive minutes, and a killer mentality.
Behind him, Julius Randle serves as a solid secondary option. While inconsistent at times, he can deliver big performances when the situation calls for it. His shot volume, rebounding instincts, and tendency to fill stats mean he can be a reliable fantasy pick, especially against interior teams with weaker defenses, like the Golden State Warriors. However, beware of off nights with shooting percentages that can drag down any fantasy lineup.
In summary, Anthony Edwards is a top pick every night, while Randle represents a risky yet potentially lucrative option.
What to Expect from the Timberwolves This Season
For the past two years, the narrative has been that Minnesota is ready to take the next step, yet each year, something seems to be missing. The 2025-26 season is no exception: while the talent is present and continuity is there, the critical question remains: can the Timberwolves really aim for the NBA Finals?
On paper, Chris Finch boasts a deep, cohesive, and experienced roster. Edwards continues his climb toward superstar status, Gobert remains the defensive anchor, McDaniels adds defensive prowess, and Randle provides the offensive punch that can sometimes be lacking. The defensive identity is established, team chemistry appears robust, and the stability of the starting five is a true advantage in a dynamic conference.
But therein lies the doubt: Minnesota hasn’t genuinely improved on its weaknesses. Playmaking remains too dependent on an aging Mike Conley, there’s insufficient secondary creation when Edwards isn’t firing on all cylinders, and the offense still lacks variety. The bench, despite the presence of Reid and some promising young talent, seems light against formidable opponents in the West.
The Timberwolves must show they can consistently deliver efforts over a full season. While their defense provides a sturdy foundation, aiming higher will require a more fluid offense and an even more assertive leadership from Edwards.
The writer’s prediction: 48 wins – 34 losses, potentially leading to a Play-In spot. The competitive nature of the Western Conference is unforgiving.
Meet William, a proud Bethel University alumnus with a fervent passion for lifestyle and culture topics. His keen interest doesn’t stop there; he’s also deeply engrossed in current events of all kinds. William dedicates himself wholeheartedly to this site, thriving on the collaborative energy he shares with Suzanne, his long-standing partner in crime.
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