Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
This offseason, Tim Connelly has reworked the Minnesota Timberwolves roster after they failed to get back to the Western Conference Finals. It became wildly apparent that their deficiencies at point guard were holding them back. Julius Randle also was not going to be the guy to get them over the hump.
When Minnesota grabbed LaMelo Ball to pair with Anthony Edwards, it also landed former first-round pick Josh Green. The No. 18 overall selection in 2020 has spent six NBA seasons as a role player, most recently with the Hornets. But once the Wolves agreed to sign Jonathan Kuminga as their new starting power forward, they needed additional salary room to finalize his contract.
To create that room, Connelly went out and swung another deal Friday night. This time, he acquired Cody Williams, the younger brother of Oklahoma City Thunder star Jalen Williams, and veteran John Konchar.
Cody Williams joins Minnesota Timberwolves in new trade
The move sent Green and cash to the Utah Jazz for Williams and Konchar. The Jazz are an organization Connelly has done business with in the past, including the blockbuster that brought Rudy Gobert to the Twin Cities.
The Timberwolves are expected to keep Cody Williams, the No. 10 pick in 2024, and waive-and-stretch John Konchar, sources said. They found a home for Josh Green on a Jazz team that wanted an additional 3-and-D wing; moving his $14.7 million deal gives Minnesota the salary space… https://t.co/iyikXWZjvX
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 29, 2026
Josh Green is in the final year of a three-year, $41 million contract with a $14.7 million cap hit. Williams and Konchar each make around $6 million, so the trade created enough room to finalize Kuminga’s deal. Minnesota is also expected to waive and stretch Konchar, lowering his 2026-27 cap hit to roughly $2.1 million and giving them more financial flexibility.
Konchar went undrafted and spent the end of last season with the Jazz. Prior to that, the 30-year-old spent the first seven seasons of his career with Memphis.
After Konchar’s release, the Wolves will still have an open roster spot. Jon Krawczynski (The Athletic) believes they could add a locker-room veteran or sign Trey Kaufman-Renn, who they drafted 59th overall.
MN Timberwolves betting on Cody Williams’ upside
There wasn’t much reason to believe Josh Green was going to get significant minutes for the Minnesota Timberwolves. That probably remains true for Williams. However, he’s just 21 years old and was the No. 10 overall pick in 2024.
Last season, he averaged 24.3 minutes and 8.8 points per game for the Jazz. He hasn’t been a good three-point shooter, hitting 23.7% for his career and 21.4% last season, but he shot 46.8% overall in 2025-26. The 6-foot-8 wing could be a slow burn, with the hope that he eventually approaches the level his brother has reached.
3 minutes of Cody Williams’ Highlights pic.twitter.com/9xtLtF80UV
— Dray Mottishaw (@draymottishaw) June 2, 2025
Related: Timberwolves Sign Starting Power Forward
Jalen Williams was drafted 12th overall in 2022 and is actually three inches shorter than his little brother. He finished second in Rookie of the Year voting during his debut season and made both All-NBA and All-Defense teams during his third year.
The elder Williams is a significant part of the Thunder’s core, and Oklahoma City is a perennial favorite to win it all. Jalen has carved out a strong presence in the NBA on both ends of the floor. Cody has the tools to become a plus perimeter defender, and now he’ll team up with Jaden McDaniels. That pairing could take his defense to the next level.
Defense has been an intentional focus for the Minnesota Timberwolves this offseason. Jonathan Kuminga picked them over other suitors in part because of it. Connelly may have now added another player who could eventually give Finch more help on that end of the floor.
Mentioned in this article:Cody Williams John Konchar Josh Green
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