Minnesota Timberwolves Season Preview
- Re-signed: Luka Garza
- Additions: Julius Randle (trade), Donte DiVincenzo (trade), P.J. Dozier (free agent), Joe Ingles (free agent)
- Draft Picks: Rob Dillingham (No. 8 overall), Terrence Shannon Jr. (No. 27)
- Departures: Kyle Anderson (to Warriors), Jordan McLaughlin (to Kings), Wendell Moore Jr. (to Pistons), Monte Morris (to Suns), Karl-Anthony Towns (to Knicks)
- Unsigned Free Agents: T.J. Warren
Last Season Recap
The 2023-24 season was a landmark one for the Minnesota Timberwolves, as they reached the Western Conference Finals for just the second time in franchise history. With a 56-win regular season, the Wolves were consistently one of the best teams in the Western Conference. Anthony Edwards blossomed into a superstar, excelling on both ends of the floor and stepping up in clutch situations. Rudy Gobert, who won the 2023-24 Kia NBA Defensive Player of the Year, and Karl-Anthony Towns formed a dominant frontcourt duo, while Naz Reid secured Sixth Man of the Year honors. Additionally, Jaden McDaniels was recognized for his elite on-ball defense. Altogether, it was a season that solidified Minnesota’s place among the top teams in the West.
Summer Summary
The Timberwolves made a significant offseason splash by trading Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks, landing Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo in return. Towns, one of the league’s top offensive big men and an elite shooter for his position, had an up-and-down postseason, and with his max contract looming, Minnesota opted to move on. This trade gave the Wolves more flexibility moving forward, especially as Randle, a two-time All-NBA player, can offer solid scoring and rebounding while adding toughness in the paint.
GM Tim Connelly further improved the roster by acquiring Rob Dillingham with the No. 8 overall pick, a crafty guard who could potentially become the successor to Mike Conley. Connelly had to maneuver trades to acquire the pick, giving up a future 2031 first-rounder and a pick swap in a cost-effective move for a team in win-now mode.
While the Wolves lost key contributors like Kyle Anderson and Monte Morris, they bolstered the bench with P.J. Dozier and Joe Ingles, both of whom add veteran presence and versatility. Terrence Shannon Jr., picked 27th in the draft, adds another young, athletic wing to develop.
Player Spotlight: Julius Randle
Julius Randle brings a strong post presence and two All-NBA selections to Minnesota. Known for his ability to score in the paint and rebound at a high level, Randle averaged over 20 points per game in recent seasons and provides much-needed offensive firepower alongside Anthony Edwards. However, Randle is coming off an injury-interrupted season, and the Timberwolves will look to him to return to form. His fit alongside Gobert and Edwards will be crucial for Minnesota’s chances to build on last year’s success.
Season Outlook
The Timberwolves enter the 2024-25 season with high expectations. Anthony Edwards is now the clear focal point of the franchise, and the team’s defense, anchored by Rudy Gobert, will continue to be elite. The addition of Donte DiVincenzo should help mitigate the loss of Towns’ shooting, while Julius Randle gives them a bruising inside presence.
However, the key to how far Minnesota can go will depend on how quickly Randle gels with the core and whether rookies Rob Dillingham and Terrence Shannon Jr. can contribute quickly. In an unforgiving Western Conference, star power and depth are essential, and the Timberwolves have the talent to compete—but they’ll need everyone firing on all cylinders to make a legitimate run at the Finals.
