Local Insider Scoops Timberwolves Plan for Multiple Key Contributors This Offseason

Before the 2024-25 NBA regular season kicked off, Minnesota Timberwolves president Tim Connelly swung a massive deal that sent Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks, in exchange for a package that was anchored by Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo + a 1st round pick.

Initially, we all pointed to how the last-minute blockbuster trade lighten the Wolves’ financial books, especially into the future. But we’ve found out this postseason that, outside of a couple Julius Randle playoff duds — including an ugly 5 point, 7 rebound performance in game four — the move had positive basketball implications too.

Looking ahead to the 2025 NBA offseason, assuming the Minnesota Timberwolves do drop one of their next three (possible) West Finals games vs OKC, this Wolves team has a lot of unknowns, many of which have far-reaching implications for how their 2025-26 roster will look.

Local Insider weighs in on Minnesota Timberwolves roster decisions (goodbye NAW)

KSTP’s Darren “Doogie” Wolfson joined SKOR North’s Mackey & Judd Show Tuesday, for an early-week scoops session. They talked mostly Vikings and Timberwolves.

During the Wolves conversation, Phil Mackey, Judd Zulgad and Doogie looked toward the future, specifically lending insight into Minnesota’s offseason plans for Julius Randle (player option), Nickeil Alexander-Walker (UFA) and Naz Reid (player option), all of which hold their own 2025-26 destiny.

According to Wolfson’s report, the expectation for now, is that the Wolves bring back both big men, in Randle and Reid. Meanwhile, the longtime local insider is quite confident that Nickeil Alexander-Walker’s time in Minneapolis is over. It sounds keeping NAW would be too much of a strain on their future luxury tax situation.

“I am going to miss Nickeil Alexander-Walker. I’ve been saying for months, last night was a reminder. The way he articulates thoughts too. I love speaking with Nickeil Alexander-Walker. He was so good last night. He has earned a four-year, full mid-level this summer. To me it’s going to happen elsewhere. I am going to miss NAW a ton.”

Darren Wolfson – Skor North

It’s important to note that, because all of the players mentioned above were either drafted to Minnesota or traded for, the Timberwolves own their “Bird Rights”. All that means, to break it down in simple terms for the purpose of this article, that Tim Connelly & Co. are legally allowed to exceed the NBA’s soft salary cap, in order to keep them.

Of course, do so at your own risk. New owners Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez will find that out the hard way in the coming weeks, when their $100 million 2024-25 luxury tax bill — which ranks second-most in the NBA this season — comes due. Just because something is legal, doesn’t mean it’s the right thing to do.

Wolves hoping/planning to keep Julius Randle and Naz Reid around?

The reality for Julius Randle is not the same as Naz Reid, who the Minnesota Timberwolves plan to pay handsomely this offseason, after he uses his player option to become an unrestricted free agent. If Reid wanted to leave, he would have plenty of suitors waiting for him. Fortunately, it doesn’t appear he is interested in that.

Randle — whose player option checks in at north of $29 million, should he choose to opt-in — does not wet the whistle of other NBA teams across the league, according to Wolfson. Julius likes it here, and Chris Finch likes him.

Related: Is Chris Finch Holding Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves Back?

Thus, from what Doogie is hearing behind the scenes, the MN Timberwolves are probably the best situation for the 2014 No. 7 overall pick out of Kentucky. Given how much the two sides have taken to one-another, Julius will probably return, knowing the 2024-25 grass is unlikely to be greener, should he opt-out and test free agency. From there, do the Wolves look to trade him…?

“On Naz, on Julius. I still think Naz is here. They know they need to pay him north of $30 million a year. I see Naz re-signing with the Wolves — exercising the player option, so opting out, hitting the open market, then the Wolves re-sign Naz Reid.”

On Julius Randle, he has the player option. [The Nets] have cap space this summer, the Pistons have some and a pathway to create more. The Pistons, I think, like Naz Reid. I’m not sure the Pistons are big Julius Randle fans. I just haven’t heard Brooklyn Nets + Julius Randle steam.

So, would it make more sense for Julius to opt-in, exercise the player option, be back with the Wolves in a contract year, then re-evaluate his situation summer of 2026? Then if Julius is on an expiring contract, if you’re Tim Connelly, what does that trade market look like?

The Wolves still need another [guard] who can create off the dribble. Some of the qualities that Rob Dillingham has, minus the turnovers…but I still think the Wolves need somebody like that more immediately, next season. Does Julius help you acquire whoever that is [along with draft picks]?”

Darren Wolfson – Skor North

Of everything discussed during today’s scoop session,the best news is that the Minnesota Timberwolves expect Naz Reid to return. The 2024 Sixth Man of the Year award has proven himself as a crucial piece to this organization’s bright future last season, dropping 14.2 points per game off the bench again this season.

Soon enough, it will be his time to take over for Julius Randle in the starting rotation. Will that be next season, or the year after? We don’t know. But if Wolfson is right, then it’s possible we could see both back for at least one more chance to run it back with mostly the same roster as they have now.