All Things 2025-2026 Minnesota Timberwolves Offseason Thread

[howeda7]

 

[jamiche]

How much does goalpost moving pay Gary?

Gary, are you one of the foremost experts in your field?

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?

 

[TNGophfan]

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?

I believe James told them he wanted to move on.

 

[Gopher_In_NYC]

I believe James told them he wanted to move on.

Correct, thank you.

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?

Widely covered and readily accessible

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

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

 

[fan of Ray Williams]

"I don't think this happens anytime soon. I don't think it'll be the next few days.”
Rich Paul on when LeBron will make his decision.
In other words, he is really going to milk it.

 

[jamiche]

Correct, thank you.

Widely covered and readily accessible

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

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

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.

 

[coolhandgopher]

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

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.

 

[TNGophfan]

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.

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.

 

[Gopher_In_NYC]

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."

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.

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...

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

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

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

 

[Gopher_In_NYC]

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.

I’m a guy

 

[TruthSeeker]

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.

Correct. He's in the 11-15 range. That's a great accomplishment.

 

[Slim Tubby]

Correct. He's in the 11-15 range. That's a great accomplishment.

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.

 

[Gopher_In_NYC]

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 always pictured you as a Kurt Rambis guy

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

Jerry only won one.

 

[Slim Tubby]

I always pictured you as a Kurt Rambis guy

Jerry only won one.

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.

 

[TruthSeeker]

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.

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.

 

[Gopher_In_NYC]

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

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.

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.

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 .

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

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youtube.com

 

[Unregistered User]

Paywalled

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

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.”

 

[TruthSeeker]

Paywalled

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

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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