Timberwolves ‘Very Likely’ to Keep Core Together

The Minnesota Timberwolves find themselves in a tough spot, trailing 0-3 going into game four vs the Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference Finals. With elimination looming, conversations are already shifting towards what next season might hold for this roster.

NBA insider, Evan Sidery (Forbes Sports, Sporting News), shared some interesting insights about the Timberwolves’ plans this offseason, a topic that has been in the back of many minds, given the luxury tax penalties that loom large over the organization.

Minnesota Timberwolves running it back in 2024-25?

Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels’ new contracts both kick in next season, not to mention a $14 million raise for Karl-Anthony Towns. In total, the Wolves are one of only two teams already projected into the 2nd apron of the league’s luxury tax system, which will cost a projected $50 million tax payment next year.

That’s why many are questioning whether or not the Wolves could trade Karl-Anthony Towns and blow up their big three. Some even suggested that Jaden McDaniels could be on the trade block too.

But in a somewhat convoluted Twitter post Monday, Sidery tried to put Minnesota Timberwolves fans at ease, writing that the Timberwolves are “very likely to run it back next season”.

The Timberwolves will be paying $172.4 million to five players next season:

Karl-Anthony Towns = $49.3 million
Rudy Gobert = $43.9 million
Anthony Edwards = $42.3 million
Jaden McDaniels = $22.9 million
Naz Reid = $14.0 million

Minnesota’s ongoing ownership war featuring Glen… pic.twitter.com/ujFTO0vKiX

— Evan Sidery (@esidery) May 27, 2024

Minnesota’s ongoing ownership war featuring Glen Taylor vs. Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore is another interesting wrinkle to their long-term roster decisions. Minnesota will very likely run it back next season, but Rudy Gobert becomes extension-eligible this offseason. If the Timberwolves fork over a lucrative extension to Gobert, what does the immediate future hold for Towns?

Evan Sidery – X

As we get ready to enter the offseason, there are plenty of uncertainties swirling around the Timberwolves organization. The biggest immediate question surrounds their ability to do the impossible and turn this series around. Then there’s the Tim Connelly opt out, and the ongoing ownership war…

Related: Timberwolves Can’t Overcome Bad KAT, Whining Luka Doncic or Horrible Officiating in Game 3

As fans eagerly await answers, it’s clear that significant decisions lie ahead that will shape the trajectory of the franchise. Keeping the core team intact would be an expensive way to show fans that the organization is willing to invest in the club, no matter whose name is on it when this all shakes out.