Wolves Back According to ESPN 2024-25 NBA Power Rankings

The Boston Celtics disposed of the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals with relative ease. The Minnesota Timberwolves fell one series short of the NBA Finals. Some feel better about the Wolves’ future than others.

How the Timberwolves handle this offseason will be fascinating. This is an organization dealing with uncertainty at the ownership level, with a roster that’s up against the luxury tax.

They still have Anthony Edwards though, and that’s enough to be exciting in and of itself. Still one of the most talented rosters in the league, they can improve their positioning if Tim Connelly gets things right.

ESPN sees a return to power for the Minnesota Timberwolves

After being the third-to-last team standing this season, and despite looking relatively overmatched against the Dallas Mavericks, ESPN has the Minnesota Timberwolves ranked fourth in their “way too early” power rankings for next season, just behind the Mavs, Nuggets and Celtics; just ahead of OKC.

4. Minnesota Timberwolves

2023-24 record: 56-26
Result: Eliminated in the West finals
2024 draft picks: No. 27 (own) and No. 37 (via MEM)

After a run to the Western Conference finals — first sweeping the Phoenix Suns, then taking out the defending-champion Nuggets in Game 7 — the Wolves were overwhelmed by the Mavericks. However, Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards showcased an improved partnership throughout the playoffs, backed by team president Tim Connelly, who reupped his contract for another year. What’s still unsettled is the battle for ownership between Glen Taylor and Alex Rodriguez, Marc Lore and Michael Bloomberg.

Dave McMenamin – ESPN

Can the Minnesota Timberwolves take the next step?

Last season, the Minnesota Timberwolves elevated themselves to the top spot in the Western Conference for a much of the year. They were able to reach those heights while missing Karl-Anthony Towns for a long stretch, and while needing to have other contributors step up.

ANTHONY EDWARDS OMG 😱🤯 pic.twitter.com/AJP27GCkxG

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 19, 2024

Related: Report: Timberwolves Have Been Trying to Trade Karl-Anthony Towns for Years

It should be assumed that Rudy Gobert isn’t going anywhere, and Mike Conley is definitely set to return. How Connelly is able to construct a complete roster that continues to allow Finch an opportunity for impressive defense, while also adding a scorer or floor general, is a mystery.

There is no denying, though, that most expect the Minnesota Timberwolves to be among the best teams in basketball yet again next season. Where they take it from there is up to them.