All Things 2024 Minnesota Timberwolves Off-Season Thread

Donate To GopherHole



Timberwolves roster, player by player: Who stays and who goes?​

Starters​

KARL-ANTHONY TOWNS

The longest-tenured Wolves player earned his fourth All-Star appearance and overcame knee surgery that sidelined him for about a month late in the season. He helped the Wolves to playoff success but struggled to score against the Mavericks.

Contract status: Signed through 2028, will make $49.3 million next season.

Looking ahead: Towns, whose supermax extension begins next season, is a popular subject of trade rumors, but President Tim Connelly said after the season ended that he envisions Towns being one of the top options on a title-contending team. His struggles against the Mavericks were frustrating for fans to watch, but the Wolves don't win Game 7 against Denver without Towns, and he handled the defensive responsibilities of guarding Kevin Durant and Nikola Jokic. His value to the Wolves this postseason was more than national pundits or social media might have you believe. Towns' salary will make him hard to move, but Connelly has given every indication he wants to run this group back as is for another season. Circumstances can change in a heartbeat in the NBA, but barring a trade offer the Wolves can't refuse, Towns is likely back.

RUDY GOBERT

Gobert won his record-tying fourth Defensive Player of the Year award and did it with his second franchise. His rim protection and rebounding guided the Wolves to the best defense in the NBA.

Contract status: Signed through 2026, will make $43.8 million next season

Looking ahead: Big men tend to decline faster than players at other positions in the NBA, and Gobert will be 32 when next season begins. Given Gobert's smarts on the defensive end and his dedication to fitness and nutrition, he's likely to stave off some of that as he ages, but these are likely the final years of his prime. That's a big question for the Wolves as Gobert becomes eligible for an extension this summer with a player option after next season. But for next season, and the Wolves' hopes of winning a title, Gobert should still be at or near the same level.

ANTHONY EDWARDS

Edwards was an All-Star for the second time and made an All-NBA team for the first time, an important distinction because it increased the value of his next contract, which takes effect next season, by 5% of the salary cap to a projected total of about $245 million. Edwards will be taking part in the Olympics on the U.S. team and said after the Dallas series that he will have to train differently to handle deep playoff runs.

Contract status: Signed through 2029, will make $42.3 million next season

Looking ahead: Edwards will be a year older and wiser when the Wolves hit the playoffs next season, and his experience at the Olympics could be a major springboard for him after playing internationally last summer in the World Cup.

JADEN McDANIELS

McDaniels made his first All-Defense second team and has a reputation for being one of the league's premier perimeter defenders. His shooting took a step back this season (40% to 34%), and he'll be trying to refocus his offensive game headed into next season.

Contract status: Signed through 2029, will make $23 million next season

Looking ahead: The Wolves could use McDaniels to regain the offensive form he had two seasons ago, when he was adding to his arsenal of moves and shooting well from the perimeter. His offense stagnated this season, and if the playoffs showed anything, the Wolves need more than the reliable scoring of Edwards and Towns. Can McDaniels carve out more of a role there? Or has he come close to his ceiling?
https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemed...6R7HVNY.jpg?auto=format,compress&cs=tinysrgb&
More than just a veteran leader for the Timberwolves, Mike Conley also ranked third in the NBA for three-point percentage in 2024 at 44.2%


MIKE CONLEY

The team's steady presence and one of its leaders, Conley shot 44% from three-point range while playing in 76 games. He averaged 5.9 assists per game and played through a calf injury in the last two games of the Denver series and in the Western Conference finals.

Contract status: Signed through 2026, will make $10 million next season

Looking ahead: Conley will be back as the team's point guard, one of its best shooters and organizer of the late-game offense. But the team knows it needs to find a point guard of the future since Conley will be turning 37 in October. Conley is happy in Minnesota, and the team will likely keep him out of any trade talks after he uprooted his family to move here and sign an extension with the team at this stage in his career.

Reserves​

NAZ REID

The NBA's Sixth Man of the Year had the best season of his career in averaging a career-high 13.5 points while making strides on defense and shooting 41% from three-point range. Reid proved the Wolves could play big and stay big no matter which combination of him, Gobert and Towns were on the floor together.

Contract status: Signed through 2026 (player option for 2025-26), will make $14 million next season

Looking ahead: Reid will be in a quasi-contract year since he will have a player option following next season, and he only continues to get better and make fans around the league. Reid stepped up when Towns went down because of a knee injury late in the season, and his surge as a starter helped him claim Sixth Man honors. He had some strong moments in the Denver series, and he nearly won Game 2 of the Western Conference finals with his three-point shooting, but he and the team might like some consistency out of his playoff performances.
https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemed...EPVYPEY.jpg?auto=format,compress&cs=tinysrgb&
One of the most unique players in the NBA, Kyle Anderson has developed into a critical piece of the Wolves rotation — but his free agent status and a down season make his return less than certain.


KYLE ANDERSON

By his own admission, Anderson had a down year after an eye injury he suffered in the playoffs last season affected his offseason preparation. The Wolves also asked him to play the small forward or "three" position most of the year, and Anderson is more of a four. Anderson was a reluctant three-point shooter (23%) after shooting 41% a season ago.

Contract status: Unrestricted free agent

Looking ahead: If there's a member of the Wolves' top eight who might not be back next season, it's Anderson, given he's a free agent and he's coming off a year in which he wasn't happy with his performance. He said his son, who is autistic, is "doing really well" in Minnesota, and that might factor into his offseason plans, but will the Wolves, with their luxury tax situation, be able to afford to bring Anderson back?

NICKEIL ALEXANDER-WALKER

Has founds his niche in the NBA with the Wolves as a tenacious perimeter defender and good outside shooter (eight points per game, 39% from three-point range). Alexander-Walker was big for the Wolves in the Phoenix series on both ends of the floor and helped guard Jamal Murray in Round 2.

Contract status: Signed through 2025, will make $4.3 million next season

Looking ahead: Alexander-Walker is signed at a bargain given his production and value on the defensive end. He'll be playing for a contract next season and wants to expand his playmaking to help Conley and Edwards. But he has learned how to play within himself and the value of not trying to do too much on the floor.

JORDAN McLAUGHLIN

Bounced back from an injury-riddled 2022-23 season and shot a career-best 47% from three-point range. McLaughlin averaged 3.5 points in 56 games and helped the Wolves survive the weeks Towns was out late in the season.

Contract status: Unrestricted free agent

Looking ahead: McLaughlin could find a better opportunity elsewhere, but if he's willing to accept the same role and similar money with the Wolves, it'd make sense to bring him back on a roster that has a need for backup point guards behind Conley.

MONTE MORRIS

Acquired at the trade deadline from Detroit to add some scoring pop off the bench and serve as a backup point guard but was not in the rotation for a large portion of the playoffs. Injuries earlier in the season played a role in Morris never getting fully on track this season.

Contract status: Unrestricted free agent

Looking ahead: It's hard to gauge what the market might be for Morris coming off a year in which injuries affected his productivity. Connelly is a fan of Morris, who played under him in Denver. Like McLaughlin, Morris could be a candidate to come back if the price is right given the team's needs.
https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemed...GKHZIXU.jpg?auto=format,compress&cs=tinysrgb&
A fan favorite when he comes off the bench, Luka Garza has shown flashes of offensive talent when he gets a chance to play. But with the Wolves roster of big men, that isn't often. He averaged 4 points in 4.9 minutes per game.


LUKA GARZA

The team converted his two-way contract to an NBA contract after the trade deadline, a sign of how much the franchise appreciated what Garza, 25, brings to the team every day.

Contract status: Restricted free agent

Looking ahead: The Wolves are high on Garza, even if it's hard to find playing time for him. They control his rights, so if the team wants him back, it could find a way to keep him. But he'll still be behind Towns, Gobert and Reid.

JOSH MINOTT

Didn't see significant playing time in his second season beyond mop-up duty. He was the 45th overall pick in the 2022 draft out of Memphis.

Contract status: Signed through 2025-26, will make $2 million next season

Looking ahead: Unfortunately for Minott and other young Wolves, the team isn't at a place right now where coach Chris Finch feels as if he can give significant playing time to inexperienced pros and let them learn through mistakes. But luxury tax issues might force the Wolves' hand, causing them to play some of their young talent and hope someone can break through.

LEONARD MILLER

Played 20 games in the NBA G League for Iowa and averaged 20.3 points and 9.1 rebounds per game. Miller skipped college to play in for the G League Ignite, and he was a second-round draft pick (33rd overall) last summer.

Contract status: Signed through 2026-27, will make $1.9 million next season

Looking ahead: Miller, 20, has untapped upside, and the Wolves are high on his rebounding ability. Just how quickly will he be ready to play significant NBA minutes on a contending team? It could still take some time.

WENDELL MOORE JR.

Appeared in 25 games in his second season while playing eight games in the G League. The 26th overall pick in 2022 out of Duke averaged 19 points and had 4.1 assists in those games.

Contract status: Signed through 2025-26, will make $2.5 million next season

Looking ahead: Moore was drafted because of how well he could potentially be a connector type of guard who enhances others around him, but it's hard to know whether he could fill that role given his lack of playing time in two seasons. The Wolves also might be looking for his shooting numbers to improve (39% in the G League).

JAYLEN CLARK

Spent most of the season rehabbing a torn Achilles he suffered his final year at UCLA. He was a second-round pick (53rd overall) last summer.

Contract status: Signed through 2024-25, will be on a two-way deal

Looking ahead: The Wolves drafted Clark because of his defense, and he will have his first full season of basketball activities next season after rehabilitating for much of the season.

DAISHEN NIX

Was one of the Wolves' three two-way contract players for last season. Played seven games in the G League, averaging 25.1 points per game. He was undrafted after going to the G League right out of high school.

Contract status: Restricted free agent

Looking ahead: Wolves could opt to bring the 22-year-old back, likely on another two-way deal, since they hold his rights in free agency, or free up his slot potentially to sign their second-round pick in this season's draft.

www.startribune.com

Timberwolves offseason roster breakdown: Who stays and who goes?

Karl-Anthony Towns is always a popular name in trade rumors. But don't be surprised if the Wolves starting lineup is identical next season.
www.startribune.com www.startribune.com

Howl Wolves!!
 

You heard it here first..........TC will look to move McDaniels!
 



I don't think anyone is getting traded and no coaches are getting fired. That seems smart to me.

The only change I'd consider is head coach. Do you believe a better coach would've won the Dallas series? If so, do you believe that will continue to be a problem? If the answer is yes, then you move on.
 

TruthSeeker said:
I don't think anyone is getting traded and no coaches are getting fired. That seems smart to me.

The only change I'd consider is head coach. Do you believe a better coach would've won the Dallas series? If so, do you believe that will continue to be a problem? If the answer is yes, then you move on.
Click to expand...
First of all, the coach sat in the second row.

And no, the players lost the Dallas series.
 

tikited said:
Zero chance of that.
Click to expand...
I think I just threw up in my mouth, but there's a remote chance that Kevin might be on to something. Overall, his contract is more tradeable than KAT's. He's younger with more upside, while less expensive and less consistent than KAT. That's a recipe for an overpay in talent.

If the thieves get the team, they will look to cut costs. Jaden will be a target.

We know Kevin hates Jaden because he doesn't understand the value of defense but this one isn't crazy.
 



jamiche said:
I think I just threw up in my mouth, but there's a remote chance that Kevin might be on to something. Overall, his contract is more tradeable than KAT's. He's younger with more upside, while less expensive and less consistent than KAT. That's a recipe for an overpay in talent.

If the thieves get the team, they will look to cut costs. Jaden will be a target.

We know Kevin hates Jaden because he doesn't understand the value of defense but this one isn't crazy.
Click to expand...
You can give up a little defense for some scoring.

We can't score enough to go all the way.
 

jamiche said:
I think I just threw up in my mouth, but there's a remote chance that Kevin might be on to something. Overall, his contract is more tradeable than KAT's. He's younger with more upside, while less expensive and less consistent than KAT. That's a recipe for an overpay in talent.

If the thieves get the team, they will look to cut costs. Jaden will be a target.

We know Kevin hates Jaden because he doesn't understand the value of defense but this one isn't crazy.
Click to expand...

jamiche said:
McDaniels is the other untouchable after Ant. I'm still going with zero chance.
Click to expand...
 
Last edited:


swede2 said:
Gobert certainly isn't going to get better (his trainer should be firing about 1,000 hard passes a day at him. How can he have such terrible hands? ).
Click to expand...
Can you feed basketballs thru the jugs machine?
 



I've gone from zero chance to remote chance. I guess my thinking has changed.
 

Only one year and he can opt out?

I think this increases the chance he makes a trade. If it works, then he comes back. If it doesn't work out, he just opts out.
 





I believe the part about Bloomberg joining the group. If he thinks he can make some money he'll do or say just about anything.

Now the part about them building a new, privately financed arena? That I'm more skeptical about.

"While Bloomberg is a big name and a considerable financial partner, he is in for only a portion of that $300 million. The rest comes from the existing group Lore and Rodriguez have assembled, which includes themselves, former Google CEO Eric Schmidt and others..

“Financially, I’ve never been in a better place,” Lore told The Athletic in March. “I’ve got hundreds of millions of dollars of liquid capital sitting in the bank ready to invest should it be necessary.”

The group also is in the middle of developing plans for a new, privately financed arena in Minneapolis to replace Target Center, the second-oldest building in the NBA, league sources said. They have scouted the area in search of a piece of land to put it, and believe they can open a new arena as soon as 2031, the league sources said.

The Timberwolves lease at Target Center currently runs through 2035."
 


BleedGopher said:
With Bloomberg and some Google money in the mix, if Taylor keeps the team, the majority of fans will NOT be happy.

Howl Wolves!!
Click to expand...

True, but do you believe the part about how Lore's group will privately fund a new arena?
 


This whole announcement feels a little too slick. The likely scenario is that Bloomberg is supplying the money that Lore/ARod did not have on 3/27. I also don't think that a guy who is worth $100B is interested in being a limited partner in anything.

My guess and my hope is that Lore/ARod will end up being the Timberwolves version of Reggie Fowler. If Bloomberg really does step in, it will be as the controlling owner with Lore/ARod as limiteds. Short of a well capitalized local owner, this is the best possible outcome for wolves fans. Bloomberg can build 20 state of the art arenas on his own and can probably work out a new arrangement with Taylor pretty quickly.

Shams and Johnny K. are Lore/ARod's mouthpieces. Always follow the money and Lore/ARod have been scrambling from day one to find it. If Taylor cutting them off leads to Bloomberg, I'm fine with that.
 

CBS Sports Mock Draft:

Round 1 - Pick 27


player headshot
Baylor Scheierman SG
CREIGHTON • SR • 6'7" / 201 LBS

PROJECTED TEAM​

Minnesota

PROSPECT RNK​

33rd

POSITION RNK​

8th

PPG​

18.5

RPG​

9

APG​

3.9

3P%​

38.1%
Scheierman will turn 24 this September, which means he will have a chance to become the oldest first-round pick since Chris Duarte went 13th overall in 2021. Scheierman is a high-volume shooter from distance who can score in various ways from outside.

www.cbssports.com

2024 NBA Mock Draft: Kentucky's Rob Dillingham, Reed Sheppard go Nos. 2-3; Lakers go with Zach Edey

UK teammates go back-to-back in Cameron Salerno's mock draft
www.cbssports.com www.cbssports.com

Howl Wolves!!
 

jamiche said:
I think I just threw up in my mouth, but there's a remote chance that Kevin might be on to something. Overall, his contract is more tradeable than KAT's. He's younger with more upside, while less expensive and less consistent than KAT. That's a recipe for an overpay in talent.

If the thieves get the team, they will look to cut costs. Jaden will be a target.

We know Kevin hates Jaden because he doesn't understand the value of defense but this one isn't crazy.
Click to expand...
Jaden is younger with more room to improvement, but I think it's unlikely that he is ever as good as KAT. I hope I'm wrong.

If the team is looking to cut costs, it makes almost zero sense for that person to be McDaniels and not KAT. If we were able to move McDaniels for nothing (not possible), we'd still be over the luxury cap and likely over the second apron when we include whatever we need to bring back in that trade and signing players o fill up the roster. Frankly, it doesn't really get us cap space and doesn't get us out from under the luxury cap.
 

Per RandBall:

*The most obvious need for the Wolves is an heir apparent to Mike Conley Jr. at point guard. Conley was excellent as a stabilizing force this past season, but he will be 37 when next year starts. He's under contract for two more years after signing a mid-year extension, and a succession plan would be wise.

Could the Wolves find their point guard of the future at No. 27 overall? That was the upshot of a recent ESPN look at first round needs for every team. The piece mentioned international point guard Juan Nunez and Marquette point guard Tyler Kolek as options for the Wolves.

*Minnesota already has a stable of young players that are having a tough time cracking an experienced rotation. Maybe the Wolves decide that one or two of them — particularly Leonard Miller as a Kyle Anderson replacement — are worthy of minutes next season.

And perhaps they decide that a backcourt solution, someone who can ideally take some playmaking and shot creation pressure off Anthony Edwards next year and into the future, is more readily available in a trade that involves this year's picks.

*Overall, the Wolves are in a position of strength. They can attack the draft in the way the old Spurs teams used to when they were always picking in the late 20s. They have the luxury of watching other teams draft for need or upside, and they can simply take the best player available to help them win.

www.startribune.com

Three things to know about the Timberwolves as NBA draft looms

The NBA draft is two weeks away, and the Wolves can approach it in a much different way than the past. How they decide to proceed could have a big impact on their roster.
www.startribune.com www.startribune.com

Howl Wolves!!
 


Spaulding!No! said:
I just saw a picture of Adam Silver.
Click to expand...

dude looks like the leader of some alien race in a bad sci-fi movie.

on the draft - from ESPN+, here's what their "experts" predict for the Wolves at #27.

Givony's pick that fills the biggest need: Juan Nunez | Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany) | PG | Age: 20.0

With starting point guard Mike Conley turning 37 in October, finding a successor to pair with Anthony Edwards in the backcourt will likely be a priority for Minnesota. Nunez has dimensions closer to that of an NBA wing than a point guard, but he is one of the best passers in this draft class, an absolute pick-and-roll maestro thanks to his outstanding creativity and feel for the game. The Timberwolves might feel like they could get him with their No. 37 pick rather than drafting him here, but there might not be many great point guard options available in the second round.

Woo's pick that gets the best value: Tyler Kolek, Marquette, PG age 23

Although some scouts find it hard to see past Kolek's limited measurables and athleticism, he has the chops to run a team at a high level and a strong college career under his belt at Marquette. Just a handful of experienced, quality point guards are in this class, and at this range, a playoff-caliber team should take a shot on him as a developmental backup.

FWIW - this Woo guy mocked Cam Christie to the Wizards at #26 in the 1st round as the "best value" pick. Woo said if Christie had played for a blue-blood program instead of Minnesota, he would be considered a solid 1st-round option.
 

short ornery norwegian said:
dude looks like the leader of some alien race in a bad sci-fi movie.

on the draft - from ESPN+, here's what their "experts" predict for the Wolves at #27.

Givony's pick that fills the biggest need: Juan Nunez | Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany) | PG | Age: 20.0

With starting point guard Mike Conley turning 37 in October, finding a successor to pair with Anthony Edwards in the backcourt will likely be a priority for Minnesota. Nunez has dimensions closer to that of an NBA wing than a point guard, but he is one of the best passers in this draft class, an absolute pick-and-roll maestro thanks to his outstanding creativity and feel for the game. The Timberwolves might feel like they could get him with their No. 37 pick rather than drafting him here, but there might not be many great point guard options available in the second round.

Woo's pick that gets the best value: Tyler Kolek, Marquette, PG age 23

Although some scouts find it hard to see past Kolek's limited measurables and athleticism, he has the chops to run a team at a high level and a strong college career under his belt at Marquette. Just a handful of experienced, quality point guards are in this class, and at this range, a playoff-caliber team should take a shot on him as a developmental backup.

FWIW - this Woo guy mocked Cam Christie to the Wizards at #26 in the 1st round as the "best value" pick. Woo said if Christie had played for a blue-blood program instead of Minnesota, he would be considered a solid 1st-round option.
Click to expand...
Woo Hoo??
 

You must log in or register to reply here.



Top Bottom