All Things 2025-2026 Minnesota Timberwolves Offseason Thread

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TNGophfan said:
I believe James told them he wanted to move on.
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Correct, thank you.
jamiche said:
Why did the Lakers sign a guy at the PF position who averaged 11 pts/game to a four year $52M contract instead of LeBron at the minimum?
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Widely covered and readily accessible😉

www.espn.com

LeBron James informs Lakers he plans to play elsewhere in 2026-27

James has informed the Lakers that the franchise can move on without him because he will play elsewhere, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul told ESPN's Shams Charania on Tuesday.
www.espn.com www.espn.com

www.nytimes.com

The Bounce: Why Kawhi Leonard and LeBron James are leaving Los Angeles

Zach Harper catches you up on the latest NBA news in our newsletter.
www.nytimes.com www.nytimes.com
 



Gopher_In_NYC said:
Correct, thank you.

Widely covered and readily accessible😉

www.espn.com

LeBron James informs Lakers he plans to play elsewhere in 2026-27

James has informed the Lakers that the franchise can move on without him because he will play elsewhere, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul told ESPN's Shams Charania on Tuesday.
www.espn.com www.espn.com

www.nytimes.com

The Bounce: Why Kawhi Leonard and LeBron James are leaving Los Angeles

Zach Harper catches you up on the latest NBA news in our newsletter.
www.nytimes.com www.nytimes.com
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There's always the private story behind the public story. The Lakers said all the right things, as they should. Think about what wasn't said. I haven't seen any comments from management to the effect of "Damn! We tried like hell to keep him for one more title run." The Lakers would have been the perfect place for him to stage his documentary. Huge market, home with the fam, playing with Bronnie, two other stars in their prime, a new, mega wealthy owner, title aspirations every year. LeBron at a reduced salary should absolutely be in that picture. But he's not.

The Lakers didn't want him or maybe they didn't want the circus this year. Who knows...

If they'd wanted him at the vet minimum, the TPMLE or the MLE, he'd be there.
 

TruthSeeker said:
Shaq could've been near the best ever. He was a 4.0 talent student who settled for a 3.7.

I'd put everyone below ahead of Kobe for sure. The list isn't in a specific order for rankings.

Jordan
James
Abdul Jabbar
Johnson
Chamberlain
Duncan
Bird
Curry
Russell
Olajuwon
O'Neal
KG
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I like your list, although I’d strike KG from the list and add Elgin Baylor and Oscar Robertson. If not for the injuries, Kawhi Leonard would have a great argument also. Dwayne Wade is a good comp for Kobe and the timing of Dr. J’s career (entering the NBA later) keeps him out of the top 10 conversation.

I never liked Kobe when he played, so I admit some inherent bias here, but I didn’t like Bird either and fully acknowledge his greatness. Kobe’s a top 15 player all-time; that’s a hell of a career! But the cult of placing him in the top 5, much less top 10 is something I don’t see.
 

jamiche said:
There's always the private story behind the public story. The Lakers said all the right things, as they should. Think about what wasn't said. I haven't seen any comments from management to the effect of "Damn! We tried like hell to keep him for one more title run." The Lakers would have been the perfect place for him to stage his documentary. Huge market, home with the fam, playing with Bronnie, two other stars in their prime, a new, mega wealthy owner, title aspirations every year. LeBron at a reduced salary should absolutely be in that picture. But he's not.

The Lakers didn't want him or maybe they didn't want the circus this year. Who knows...

If they'd wanted him at the vet minimum, the TPMLE or the MLE, he'd be there.
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Total speculation to fit your narrative. I happen to believe he realizes he can't win another championship in LA, thus the final move. That, of course, is my speculation to fit the other narrative.

My guess is their are a handful of people who know the total, complete story.
 

jamiche said:
There's always the private story behind the public story. The Lakers said all the right things, as they should. Think about what wasn't said. I haven't seen any comments from management to the effect of "Damn! We tried like hell to keep him for one more title run."
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That’s how a non-professional would react Gary🥸

He was there for 8 years, gave then a Championship, made the Lakers a preeminent franchise again and added the star power LA needs.

It was an equitable return for all parties involved; adults shake hands and part company with self-respect still in tact.
jamiche said:
The Lakers would have been the perfect place for him to stage his documentary. Huge market, home with the fam, playing with Bronnie, two other stars in their prime, a new, mega wealthy owner, title aspirations every year. LeBron at a reduced salary should absolutely be in that picture. But he's not.

The Lakers didn't want him or maybe they didn't want the circus this year. Who knows...
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Just your opinions (no data), you’re no more of an NBA Insider than anyone else.

jamiche said:
If they'd wanted him at the vet minimum, the TPMLE or the MLE, he'd be there.
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You asked about it and I answered with multiple articles from Paid writers working at national media outlets; a much more compelling story to write, because of the drama, would have been a messy divorce, quoting unnamed sources😎

Alas, real journalists don’t function that way, there’s usually a good reason for any speculation provided, otherwise known as a source.

It’s a national holiday Gary, you can take the day off from any further goal post moving and spend it with your family.

Cheers
 



coolhandgopher said:
I like your list, although I’d strike KG from the list and add Elgin Baylor and Oscar Robertson. If not for the injuries, Kawhi Leonard would have a great argument also. Dwayne Wade is a good comp for Kobe and the timing of Dr. J’s career (entering the NBA later) keeps him out of the top 10 conversation.

I never liked Kobe when he played, so I admit some inherent bias here, but I didn’t like Bird either and fully acknowledge his greatness. Kobe’s a top 15 player all-time; that’s a hell of a career! But the cult of placing him in the top 5, much less top 10 is something I don’t see.
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I’m a 🐍 guy🤷‍♂️
 

coolhandgopher said:
I like your list, although I’d strike KG from the list and add Elgin Baylor and Oscar Robertson. If not for the injuries, Kawhi Leonard would have a great argument also. Dwayne Wade is a good comp for Kobe and the timing of Dr. J’s career (entering the NBA later) keeps him out of the top 10 conversation.

I never liked Kobe when he played, so I admit some inherent bias here, but I didn’t like Bird either and fully acknowledge his greatness. Kobe’s a top 15 player all-time; that’s a hell of a career! But the cult of placing him in the top 5, much less top 10 is something I don’t see.
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Correct. He's in the 11-15 range. That's a great accomplishment.
 

TruthSeeker said:
Correct. He's in the 11-15 range. That's a great accomplishment.
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That's where I would put him, too, but closer to 15 than 11.

Many view Kobe as one of the best "clutch" players in NBA history but that image is skewed dramatically when you factor in his sheer # of attempts compared to others. In reality, Kobe is actually well below average when it comes to clutch time statistics and his unwillingness to trust his teammates.

In fairness, I never cared for Kobe and the rape coverup didn't do much to change that so I certainly have some bias in my opinion. Larry Bird and McHale were my idols as a kid so I despised all things Lakers in the 80s which prevented me from truly appreciating the greatness of Magic and Kareem at the time.

I'm not even sure sure Kobe makes the Top 4 Lakers of all time with Kareem, Magic, West and Shaq.
 

Slim Tubby said:
That's where I would put him, too, but closer to 15 than 11.

Many view Kobe as one of the best "clutch" players in NBA history but that image is skewed dramatically when you factor in his sheer # of attempts compared to others. In reality, Kobe is actually well below average when it comes to clutch time statistics and his unwillingness to trust his teammates.

In fairness, I never cared for Kobe and the rape coverup didn't do much to change that so I certainly have some bias in my opinion. Larry Bird and McHale were my idols as a kid so I despised all things Lakers in the 80s which prevented me from truly appreciating the greatness of Magic and Kareem at the time.
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I always pictured you as a Kurt Rambis guy🤷‍♂️
Slim Tubby said:
I'm not even sure sure Kobe makes the Top 4 Lakers of all time with Kareem, Magic, West and Shaq.
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Jerry only won one.
 



Gopher_In_NYC said:
I always pictured you as a Kurt Rambis guy🤷‍♂️

Jerry only won one.
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I despised Rambis but did secretly love to watch Bob McAdoo, Jamal Wilkes and Norm Nixon.

Titles are not the only definition of greatness. The NBA created their entire logo around West for a reason. TBF, I was far too young to have seen West play, though.
 

Slim Tubby said:
I despised Rambis but did secretly love to watch Bob McAdoo, Jamal Wilkes and Norm Nixon.

Titles are not the only definition of greatness. The NBA created their entire logo around West for reason. TBF, I was far too young to have seen West play, though.
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The media plays a dumb game about greatness=titles. There's more to it than winning.

The media obsession with NFL QB titles and greatness is even more asburd. In any give game, 40+ players contribute to the win or loss.
 

Slim Tubby said:
I despised Rambis but did secretly love to watch Bob McAdoo, Jamal Wilkes and Norm Nixon.
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I was an LA guy, as I had an irrational dislike of Larry.

Rambis’ close line of McHale was crazy and I can still see it in mind’s eye.

Slim Tubby said:
Titles are not the only definition of greatness. They NBA created their entire logo around West for reason. TBF, I was far too young to have seen West play, though.
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Yes that is correct and I actually don’t think Kobe is the second best ever, but like the argument Shaq made and love that he was pimpin his teammate. I also have a very rational dislike for many younger sports fans who get 🪵 over analytics and numbers over the importance of winning.

I have greater respect for Kobe than LeBron and his ring chasing; Kobe was a dick to his teammates and others, but we need those guys who come of the top rope and this story illustrates it perfectly and how Pau was a harass also .

youtube.com

“Olympic Savage: Kobe Runs Through Pau Gasol” #kobebryant #paugasol #olympics #basketball #teamusa

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.
youtube.com youtube.com
 

Paywalled

www.nytimes.com

Timberwolves ramp up LeBron James pursuit, believe they are real option: Sources

The Timberwolves believe they can provide LeBron James with the kind of environment he needs at this stage of his career.
www.nytimes.com www.nytimes.com

The Timberwolves are ramping up their push for LeBron James, sources tell @TheAthletic. The pitch: Team w/Ant, LaMelo, Jaden, Rudy in championship-starved Minnesota to go after a title that could cement his case for the throne.

“The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity to describe ongoing deliberations, said the Timberwolves have been in contact with James’ representatives with a bold pitch: team up with Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball, Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert to go after the kind of championship that could end any discussion about who is the greatest player of all time.”
 

Unregistered User said:
Paywalled

www.nytimes.com

Timberwolves ramp up LeBron James pursuit, believe they are real option: Sources

The Timberwolves believe they can provide LeBron James with the kind of environment he needs at this stage of his career.
www.nytimes.com www.nytimes.com

The Timberwolves are ramping up their push for LeBron James, sources tell @TheAthletic. The pitch: Team w/Ant, LaMelo, Jaden, Rudy in championship-starved Minnesota to go after a title that could cement his case for the throne.

“The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity to describe ongoing deliberations, said the Timberwolves have been in contact with James’ representatives with a bold pitch: team up with Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball, Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert to go after the kind of championship that could end any discussion about who is the greatest player of all time.”
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Open in incognito mode and turn off Javascript.
 

Gopher_In_NYC said:
That’s how a non-professional would react Gary🥸

He was there for 8 years, gave then a Championship, made the Lakers a preeminent franchise again and added the star power LA needs.

It was an equitable return for all parties involved; adults shake hands and part company with self-respect still in tact.

Just your opinions (no data), you’re no more of an NBA Insider than anyone else.


You asked about it and I answered with multiple articles from Paid writers working at national media outlets; a much more compelling story to write, because of the drama, would have been a messy divorce, quoting unnamed sources😎

Alas, real journalists don’t function that way, there’s usually a good reason for any speculation provided, otherwise known as a source.

It’s a national holiday Gary, you can take the day off from any further goal post moving and spend it with your family.

Cheers
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If you are going to use a metaphor, the correct one would be raising the hoop, Jarrett.

I haven't changed my position on anything. I think the Lakers have publicly said all of the right things, as they should. I think privately they didn't want him back.

I think if he joined the wolves w/his camera crew it would be disruptive and counterproductive. For whatever reason, the NBA is very hierarchical. This is now Ant's team and has been for a few years. Blending Melo in, who had "his" team in Charlotte will be a worthwhile and necessary challenge. Adding LeBron, who has been the leader of the league for a couple of decades will further muddy the waters. Having LeBron at age 42 for fifty or so games, while figuring out how to play with him (and Melo) while trying to further optimize Jaden is going to defocus everything.

Starting the season with Jaden and TJ at the four and figuring it out is far, far from ideal but it's better than trying to blend LeBron in. LeBron isn't used to being blended into anything, especially with a camera crew there.

This is a message board, Jarrett. People express opinions. Yours is no better or worse than mine.

Gary Payton was a thousand times better ballplayer than Jarrett Culver, Jarrett.
 


jamiche said:
If you are going to use a metaphor, the correct one would be raising the hoop, Jarrett.
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Nah , that not in the lexicon of sports smack talk, kiddo🥸

jamiche said:
I haven't changed my position on anything. I think the Lakers have publicly said all of the right things, as they should. I think privately they didn't want him back
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Again no proof! Just the warblings of a middle aged smuck, just like me - two smucks in a pod😎

jamiche said:
I think if he joined the wolves w/his camera crew it would be disruptive and counterproductive. For whatever reason, the NBA is very hierarchical. This is now Ant's team and has been for a few years. Blending Melo in, who had "his" team in Charlotte will be a worthwhile and necessary challenge. Adding LeBron, who has been the leader of the league for a couple of decades will further muddy the waters. Having LeBron at age 42 for fifty or so games, while figuring out how to play with him (and Melo) while trying to further optimize Jaden is going to defocus everything.
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The last three seasons he’s played 71, 70 and 60 regular games. In his 23 season career 1622 regular out of 1886 - 88%, per basketball reference.

jamiche said:
Starting the season with Jaden and TJ at the four and figuring it out is far, far from ideal but it's better than trying to blend LeBron in. LeBron isn't used to being blended into anything, especially with a camera crew there.
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It’s funny how the wolves disagree because they’re actively pursuing him. Let me gameplan this for you: the owners (who Bron’s agent complimented😎), Connolly and 🐜 Man are all in on acquiring Bron), in addition to a majority of the posters on here.

If Funch is the coaching savant you claim him to be, it won’t be any big deal.

The Bulls likely don’t win their second threepeat without acquiring Rodman, you grab a HOFer if you can.


jamiche said:
This is a message board, Jarrett. People express opinions. Yours is no better or worse than mine.
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I never said it was bro. In fact I’ve made light of my own posts, which I did regarding Kobe being ahead of LeBron in this thread. I’ve also acknowledged when others opinions were the correct ones and min weren’t; let me know when you’ve ever done with of those kiddo.
jamiche said:
Gary Payton was a thousand times better ballplayer than Jarrett Culver, Jarrett.
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Thus only works if I said it / trying to label me with it is an airball🥳
 
Last edited:

SL coach Nathan Bubes said they're working on having Joan Beringer play some at the four alongside Rocco Zikarsky.


Joan Beringer: "I never played the four before in my life, so it's a big change. But I feel good about [playing the four]and playing with Rocco, so I'm very excited."
 

fan of Ray Williams said:
SL coach Nathan Bubes said they're working on having Joan Beringer play some at the four alongside Rocco Zikarsky.


Joan Beringer: "I never played the four before in my life, so it's a big change. But I feel good about [playing the four]and playing with Rocco, so I'm very excited."
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Hopefully not a move of desperation.
 

tikited said:
Hopefully not a move of desperation.
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I think our best hope at PF is still working out a deal for PJ Washington after DAL added to their depth at the position by trading for Aldama. (Green & TSJ for PJ?)

The starters look pretty good on paper but that bench outside of Ayo is devoid of proven scoring:

C Gobert / Beringer
PF Washington / Lyles
SF McDaniels / Evans
SG Edwards / Clark
PG LaMelo / Dosunmu
 


Gopher_In_NYC said:
Nah , that not in the lexicon of sports smack talk, kiddo🥸


Again no proof! Just the warblings of a middle aged smuck, just like me - two smucks in a pod😎


The last three seasons he’s played 71, 70 and 60 regular games. In his 23 season career 1622 regular out of 1886 - 88%, per basketball reference.


It’s funny how the wolves disagree because they’re actively pursuing him. Let me gameplan this for you: the owners (who Bron’s agent complimented😎), Connolly and 🐜 Man are all in on acquiring Bron), in addition to a majority of the posters on here.

If Funch is the coaching savant you claim him to be, it won’t be any big deal.

The Bulls likely don’t win their second threepeat without acquiring Rodman, you grab a HOFer if you can.



I never said it was bro. In fact I’ve made light of my own posts, which I did regarding Kobe being ahead of LeBron in this thread. I’ve also acknowledged when others opinions were the correct ones and min weren’t; let me know when you’ve ever done with of those kiddo.

Thus only works if I said it / trying to label me with it is an airball🥳
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I'm more interested in what people do than what they say, Jarrett. LeBron could have stayed with the Lakers for close to nothing and freed up a lot of money. Instead they are paying some guy who averaged 11pts/game mid teens to play pf. I don't care if LeBron's agent said nice things about Lore/ARod. Is he supposed to call them assholes? The NBA is a little village like anyplace else.

LeBron has averaged 61 games/year over the last five years. Whoever signs him shouldn't plan on that at age 42, especially if they want him to be an asset in the playoffs.

Rodman was 34 when he joined the Bulls and he knew his place in the locker room.

Before you showed up around here I posted that Adrian Peterson couldn't turn the corner after the first preseason game of his rookie year. You've posted a lot of stupid things on this board. Nothing as bad as that.
 

jamiche said:
I'm more interested in what people do than what they say, Jarrett. LeBron could have stayed with the Lakers for close to nothing and freed up a lot of money. Instead they are paying some guy who averaged 11pts/game mid teens to play pf. I don't care if LeBron's agent said nice things about Lore/ARod. Is he supposed to call them assholes? The NBA is a little village like anyplace else.

LeBron has averaged 61 games/year over the last five years. Whoever signs him shouldn't plan on that at age 42, especially if they want him to be an asset in the playoffs.
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And that’s why I only included they last three🤣
jamiche said:
Rodman was 34 when he joined the Bulls and he knew his place in the locker room.
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Wise old sage time for Brons
jamiche said:
Before you showed up around here I posted that Adrian Peterson couldn't turn the corner after the first preseason game of his rookie year.
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I like big swings -bravo😎.

Regardless, I enjoy many of your posts and agree with many of them.

jamiche said:
You've posted a lot of stupid things on this board. Nothing as bad as that.
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You give me waaaay to much credit, thanks😃
 




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