The Timberwolves have big decisions to make with their roster this offseason. Brian Windhorst explains the tough choice the franchise must make.
The Minnesota Timberwolves lost in the Western Conference Finals in five games for the second season in a row. They were thoroughly outplayed by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Minnesota traded Karl-Anthony Towns after their last playoff exit. That won’t happen to the untouchable Anthony Edwards; he’ll be working to get better so they can take the next step.
Chris Finch has already pinpointed what Edwards needs to improve this offseason. But even as he strives to fulfill his potential, the team around Ant is likely to change.
Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver PostBrian Windhorst says Minnesota might have to let one of Julius Randle, Naz Reid, or Nickeil Alexander-Walker go
The Timberwolves’ players were excellent for them through another deep postseason run. Julius Randle was a revelation. James Worthy praised him as a ‘big time bully’ after he dominated the Lakers.
Naz Reid has gone from strength to strength, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker continued his trajectory as a valuable role player. However, all three could hit free agency this offseason.
Brian Windhorst explained why this poses a big dilemma for the Wolves.
“Well, I don’t think they can keep this team together,” Windhorst said. “The core, they can but… So Julius Randle’s a free agent. Nickeil Alexander-Walker is a free agent, and Naz Reid is a free agent.
“He has an opt out which I’m sure he’s going to take. Ant’s contract is very large… I would be surprised if they were able to re-sign all three guys.”
The Minnesota Timberwolves have to keep Naz Reid
Randle has been excellent for Minnesota this season, and Alexander-Walker is a definite crowd favorite. However, only one of these three players is a must-keep for the Timberwolves.
Reid was undrafted before he signed with the franchise in 2019. Since then, the 25-year-old has grown every year and even won Sixth Man of the Year last season.
During the 2024-25 campaign, he had career-high averages, recording 14.1 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game. He will be a key long-term piece alongside Edwards.
Tim Connelly has assembled rosters that have gone to consecutive Western Conference Finals. It will be interesting to see what he chooses to do with this offseason’s problems, but the team should keep Reid.