{"id":204509,"date":"2025-07-31T04:47:34","date_gmt":"2025-07-31T04:47:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/204509\/"},"modified":"2025-07-31T04:47:34","modified_gmt":"2025-07-31T04:47:34","slug":"1-final-move-minnesota-timberwolves-must-make-to-complete-2025-nba-offseason-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/204509\/","title":{"rendered":"1 final move Minnesota Timberwolves must make to complete 2025 NBA offseason"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Minnesota Timberwolves<\/a> came into the 2025 offseason not with a splashy rebuild or aggressive pivot, but a clear, measured plan: retain core talent, reinforce team chemistry, and maintain their upward trajectory. That focus on stability has paid dividends in regular-season success. But in the harsh, hyper-competitive world of the Western Conference, standing still often means falling behind.<\/p>\n

Yet amidst that uncertainty, two names have emerged as the key to fully unlocking this roster\u2019s next level: Terrence Shannon Jr<\/a>., the Summer League standout, and Amir Coffey, the versatile, two-way wing who could be the perfect final free agency addition to Minnesota\u2019s depth chart.<\/p>\n

This summer, Minnesota prioritized re-signing Julius Randle<\/a> on a three-year, $100 million deal, keeping Naz Reid in the fold<\/a>, and bringing back veteran Joe Ingles<\/a>. While the continuity is valuable, it has also left a gaping hole unaddressed: the point guard position. With Mike Conley nearing retirement and Rob Dillingham still adjusting to the professional game, the Timberwolves enter the 2025\u201326 season with a questionable backcourt situation, especially in playmaking and offensive orchestration.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s examine both, and how one internal breakout and one shrewd acquisition could give Minnesota the balance it desperately needs<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Timberwolves’ point guard problem that can\u2019t be ignored<\/p>\n

The Timberwolves\u2019 defensive identity and frontcourt power are well-established. Anthony Edwards<\/a> is ascending into superstardom. Rudy Gobert<\/a> remains an elite rim protector. Jaden McDaniels is a defensive ace. And now, Julius Randle adds a physical scoring presence at the 4. But the same issue that haunted Minnesota in their back-to-back Western Conference Finals exits persists: shot creation and fluidity when the game slows down.<\/p>\n

Mike Conley, even at 37, is still a calming veteran presence<\/a>. But asking him to carry heavy minutes in both the regular season and deep playoff runs is unrealistic. His legs aren\u2019t what they used to be, and defenses now go under screens and dare him to shoot or drive, something he can’t consistently punish at this stage.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, rookie Rob Dillingham brings excitement and flash but remains a work in progress. His Summer League moments were mixed; he displayed quickness and creativity but also struggled with decision-making, shot selection, and defensive discipline.<\/p>\n

And so, the Wolves are in a bind: relying too much on Anthony Edwards to initiate offense will burn him out over 82 games and multiple playoff rounds. Randle and Reid are complementary scorers, not facilitators. Joe Ingles can pass, but lacks the burst. Minnesota needs one more player who can create, distribute, and compete physically.<\/p>\n

Terrence Shannon Jr.: The internal answer?\"MinnesotaMandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

Enter Terrence Shannon Jr., whose Summer League performances have electrified the Timberwolves fans and raised eyebrows across the league. Through the first two games, Shannon looked like the best player<\/a> on the floor, not just on his team, but in the entire contest.<\/p>\n

In Game 1, Shannon put up 20 points, nine assists, and six rebounds, operating with poise and control. He ran the offense through multiple actions, found shooters in rhythm, and attacked the rim with his trademark explosiveness. Game 2 brought more of the same: 24 points, highlight-reel dunks, and a renewed sense of confidence.<\/p>\n

The most encouraging development? Shannon\u2019s passing. He\u2019s always been a scorer, but in Vegas, he\u2019s shown much-improved vision and patience. He\u2019s making the \u201cnext\u201d pass, manipulating defenders with his eyes, and initiating offense in both transition and half-court settings. That\u2019s what Minnesota lacked in the playoffs: an assertive, secondary creator who could take pressure off Edwards.<\/p>\n

it\u2019s just the beginning. \ud83d\udc40 https:\/\/t.co\/83LnzeXVSG<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/rc6PxtDYUa<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) July 22, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

Defensively, Shannon has the tools to fit right in. At 6’6\u2033, with a strong frame and lateral quickness, he can guard 1s through 3s and compete on switches. He\u2019s a willing on-ball defender, and his high motor makes him a candidate for minutes alongside McDaniels and Gobert.<\/p>\n

If Shannon\u2019s growth is real, and early signs suggest it is, he could give the Timberwolves something they haven\u2019t had since Ricky Rubio\u2019s heyday: a connector at the guard spot who plays hard, passes smart, and defends with pride.<\/p>\n

While it\u2019s too early to anoint him the backup point guard, it\u2019s not far-fetched to think Shannon Jr. could leapfrog into the rotation. At the very least, he\u2019s positioned himself as a dark horse to fill the void left by Conley\u2019s decline and Dillingham\u2019s growing pains.<\/p>\n

Amir Coffey: The external glue guy, the Timberwolves must target\"LAMandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

While internal development is crucial, the Timberwolves also need an external upgrade, particularly on the wing. That\u2019s where Amir Coffey fits perfectly into the Timberwolves<\/a>\u2019 plans as the final, \u201cglue guy\u201d move of the 2025 offseason.<\/p>\n

At 6’7\u2033, Coffey is a rare archetype: a low-usage, high-efficiency wing who defends multiple positions, shoots the three at a high clip, and doesn\u2019t demand touches. He had a breakout 2024-25 season with the Clippers, averaging 9.7 points per game on 40.9% shooting from three in 24.3 minutes. In 13 starts, his scoring jumped to 12.8 PPG while maintaining a scorching 43.4% clip from beyond the arc.<\/p>\n

For a Timberwolves team that often struggles with spacing, especially when Gobert and Randle share the floor, Coffey would be a massive upgrade. He can slide between the 2 and 4 spots depending on matchups, and his shooting alone would command gravity from defenses. That would open up driving lanes for Edwards and Dillingham, while also giving Randle more room to operate on the block.<\/p>\n

How is Amir Coffey still unsigned? pic.twitter.com\/j7bsNc6UuO<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 ZubacSZN (@213clipset) July 11, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

Coffey\u2019s real value, though, is on defense. Minnesota relies heavily on Jaden McDaniels to guard the best opposing wing every night. That wears down even the most elite stoppers throughout a season. Coffey would give head coach Chris Finch another switchable defender who can take on tough matchups, play within the scheme, and help reduce McDaniels\u2019 load.<\/p>\n

Even better, Coffey doesn\u2019t need the ball. He thrives on smart cuts, corner threes, and opportunistic transition buckets. He\u2019s the type of role player championship teams crave, someone who boosts your stars by doing the little things without needing plays run for him.<\/p>\n

From a financial standpoint, Coffey\u2019s price tag shouldn\u2019t break the bank. The Timberwolves are already locked into significant money with Edwards, Randle, Gobert, and McDaniels. But Coffey can likely be in the $7\u201310 million range via sign-and-trade or cap exceptions. Given their current cap situation, a non-taxpayer mid-level exception or trade involving non-core pieces could make it happen.<\/p>\n

Completing the roster without compromising the Core<\/p>\n

The Timberwolves don\u2019t need to reinvent the wheel. Their core is solid:<\/p>\n

Anthony Edwards, ascending superstar.<\/p>\n

Julius Randle, a proven scoring forward.<\/p>\n

Rudy Gobert, the defensive anchor.<\/p>\n

Naz Reid, a spark plug off the bench.<\/p>\n

Jaden McDaniels, elite perimeter defender.<\/p>\n

Mike Conley, steady veteran leader.<\/p>\n

Rob Dillingham, high-upside rookie scorer.<\/p>\n

What they lack is a guard who can share creation duties (enter Shannon Jr.) and a versatile wing who can connect lineups (enter Coffey). Adding Coffey and elevating Shannon Jr. gives them optionality in every lineup construction:<\/p>\n

Need a defensive boost? Run Coffey and McDaniels alongside Edwards.<\/p>\n

Want to push the pace? Insert Shannon at point with Reid as the small-ball 5.<\/p>\n

Facing a physical playoff matchup? Use Coffey\u2019s length and experience to hold the line.<\/p>\n

This approach also allows Minnesota to ease Conley into a lighter role<\/a>, give Dillingham more time to develop, and avoid overloading Edwards with playmaking duties.<\/p>\n

The Timberwolves are close. Very close. But close doesn\u2019t win championships, complete rosters do.<\/p>\n

The 2025 NBA offseason has been a mixed bag for Minnesota. Locking in Randle, Reid, and Ingles shows a commitment to winning now, but the lack of urgency at the guard spot remains a concern. Terrence Shannon Jr.\u2019s emergence might soften the blow, but they still need one more move to round out the roster.<\/p>\n

Acquiring Amir Coffey is that move. He\u2019s the type of do-it-all wing who elevates lineups, doesn\u2019t demand usage, and helps turn great teams into elite ones. Pairing him with Shannon Jr.\u2019s rise would not only address the Timberwolves\u2019 two biggest weaknesses, ball-handling and wing depth, but also give them the flexibility to contend deep into the postseason.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t chase stars. Chase balance. If the Timberwolves do that, their next playoff run may not end in heartbreak; it may end in history.<\/p>\n