Multiple Timberwolves Rank Among NBA’s Top Free Agents

The 2025 NBA offseason could start as soon as Wednesday night for the Minnesota Timberwolves, if down 3-1, they can’t solve the Thunder puzzle back in Oklahoma City for Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals.

It’s literally win or go home. And if they can’t find a victory in OKC, it would be the second-straight playoffs that the Wolves have been eliminated in five games of the Western Conference Finals.

Whether it ends tonight or after hoisting the Larry O’Brien Trophy in June, once the Timberwolves actually turn the page on the 2024-25 season, they have some serious decisions to make. A new ownership group is taking over and president of basketball operations Tim Connelly’s future remains up in the air.

Minnesota Timberwolves have multiple top free agents

And that’s before we get to next year’s roster construction. Once the offseason hits, Nickeil Alexander-Walker will be an unrestricted free agent. Beyond NAW, Julius Randle has a player option to become an unrestricted free agent, as does Naz Reid.

Earlier in the week local insider Darren “Doogie” Wolfson opined exactly how he expects the Minnesota Timberwolves to handle the offseason. The main trio to make decisions on include Randle, Reid, and Alexander-Walker.

On Wednesday, ESPN’s Kevin Pelton put out a ranking of the top 25 NBA free agents this offseason. All three aforementioned Wolves players made the cut.

4. Julius Randle – PF

Randle was acquired in the Karl-Anthony Towns trade just before the regular season kicked off. It took him some time to find his footing with Minnesota, but he gelled down the stretch. Playoff performance hasn’t been notable for him, and he currently possesses a player option for next year.

“After some early growing pains, Randle’s strong close to the regular season and his monster first two playoff rounds were key to the Timberwolves returning to the Western Conference finals. Wrapping up an extension he signed with the New York Knicks in 2021, Randle has a $29.5 million player option that he has outperformed. Minnesota and Randle have multiple options for how to handle it. He could decline the option and sign a long-term deal in free agency or exercise it in conjunction with another extension.”

Kevin Pelton – ESPN

How the Minnesota Timberwolves handle Randle should be fascinating. His market may have depreciated with the playoff performance, but he could still be a trade asset. His $29.5 million player option isn’t a huge deterrent as an expiring contract. There’s a chance he opts in and still Minnesota flips him elsewhere to address other needs.

17. Naz Reid – F/C

Part of the reason that Minnesota needed to move Towns was in order to free up funds for Reid. He’s going to command a sizable contract after opting out of his current deal. It would seem unlikely that he actually hits the open market, but if he does, you can bet that suitors will line up for the former Sixth Man of the Year.

“A year removed from being named Sixth Man of the Year, Reid actually averaged more points, rebounds and assists this season, albeit on slightly weaker efficiency. Reid has had a major impact as a third big man, but he probably would be stretched defensively as a starter. That and the lack of cap space should help the Timberwolves navigate Reid’s $15 million player option. The sides could agree to exercise the option then build a long-term extension off it to keep the fan favorite in Minnesota.”

Kevin Pelton – ESPN

There is arguably no player more liked by Timberwolves fans than Reid. He is a cult hero turned key-contributor. It’s now going to cost Minnesota a sizable chunk of change to retain him, but it makes sense to do so. He can stretch the floor and also has the ability to play inside. Reid earned his payday, and the Timberwolves will likely be willing to sign up for it.

21. Nickeil Alexander-Walker G

You didn’t need the series against Oklahoma City to see that Nickeil Alexander-Walker was going to get paid. He has stood out alongside his Free Throw Merchant cousin. A rotational spot is something he has developed into with the Timberwolves, but it’s clear the ceiling is much higher.

“A screaming value on a two-year, $9 million deal signed as a restricted free agent two years ago, Alexander-Walker is in line for a big raise. He averaged a career-high 25.3 MPG as the Timberwolves’ third guard, defending lead ball handlers and shooting 38% from 3-point range. Alexander-Walker isn’t quite good enough as a distributor to serve as a full-time point guard, and he has slumped beyond the arc in the playoffs, but he should more than double his previous salary.”

Kevin Pelton – ESPN

This is one of those situations where a player simply outgrows their role. Alexander-Walker might not be entirely worth the new contract he’ll get, but he’s earned every bit of that opportunity. The Minnesota Timberwolves aren’t going to foot the bill, but they’ll look to develop another version of him for next season.

Related: Local Insider Scoops Timberwolves Plan for Multiple Key Contributors This Offseason

It seems likely that the Timberwolves have a chance to keep two of their three key free agents. They may deal Randle, but that would be something done on their own choosing. No matter what, they have some serious talent eyeing the open market.