Minnesota has plenty of talent, and Chris Finch will be looking to completely unlock the group this season. After being bounced by the Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder, the only thing remaining is for the Timberwolves to win the whole thing.

Plenty of their players rank amongst the best in the league, and ESPN highlighted a handful in the latest top 100 rankings.

Minnesota Timberwolves show prominently amongst ESPN top 100

You don’t need to have any sort of a list inform you that Anthony Edwards is among the best players in the NBA. His play speaks for itself, and he’s clearly one of the game’s superstars. He’s not along on the Minnesota roster though, and ESPN ranked multiple Timberwolves among their top 100 players for this season.

Every Timberwolves player moved up slightly except for center Rudy Gobert. That’s probably fair given his dip in points (14.0 to 12.0) and rebounds (12.9 to 10.9). After winning his fourth Defensive Player of the Year two seasons ago, he finished second last season.

Of course the most notable name on the list is Anthony Edwards and his top-ten positioning. At sixth, he’s ahead of Kevin Durant, LeBron James, and Steph Curry. The only players ahead of him are Victor Wembanyama, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Nikola Jokic.

By almost every measure, Anthony Edwards got better last season. He led the league with 320 made 3-pointers at a career-high 39.5% clip. He raised his scoring average from 26 points per game to 28. And, most importantly, he led the team back to the Western Conference finals despite the offseason trade of All-Star center Karl-Anthony Towns. But he would be the first person to tell you he came up short of his goals last season. After losing in five games to the Thunder, Edwards said “no one would work harder” than him to improve this offseason. Edwards saw firsthand how Oklahoma City was a better team, with more depth, skill and tactics that were able to take him out of games. To ascend to the heights predicted for him since his star turn with USA Basketball in 2023, Edwards will need to diversify his offensive game and elevate his teammates.

ESPN

Just how far Edwards can take his game this season remains to be seen. He’s already working on a new bag of tricks, and it will be the next step in his development that takes this team over the top.

Edwards just recently turned 24 years old and he has so much opportunity for growth still in front of him. He finished seventh in MVP voting each of the past two seasons. It would be a surprise if he doesn’t win one during his time in the league, and this season would be a great timeframe to make that happen.

The Minnesota Timberwolves kick off their regular season on Wednesday October 22nd on the road against the Portland Trailblazers. They will showcase their throwback court and uniforms for the home opener against Indiana on October 26th.

This offseason is a critical one with ownership changing hands and pieces needing to shuffle in Chris Finch’s rotation. Minnesota remains up against luxury tax implications, and that’s at least part of their reason to let Nickeil Alexander-Walker go elsehwere.

They did keep both Naz Reid and Julius Randle on new contracts, but have yet to put the finishing touches on the roster. When Tim Connelly strikes next is anyone’s guess, but the evaluation process has already started.

MN Timberwolves run it back this offseason

Short of using draft picks on Joan Beringer and Rocco Zikarski, the Minnesota Timberwolves haven’t added much talent this offseason. They did keep most everything else together, and that has ESPN’s Kevin Pelton handing them a B- grade for their efforts.

“After trading Towns, the Timberwolves were able to manage their payroll to bring back the bulk of the team that has reached the past two conference finals. A new contract for Julius Randle pays him and Donte DiVincenzo a combined $43 million, far less than the $53 million Towns will make. Minnesota did have to let Alexander-Walker leave via sign-and-trade, opting instead to prioritize 2023-24 Sixth Man Award winner Naz Reid. Reid’s five-year, $125 million contract could be an overpay if he is unable to grow beyond a bench role.”

Kevin Pelton – ESPN

As Pelton points out, it’s a good thing that Minnesota added additional talent after getting out from Karl-Anthony Towns’ contract. I’m not sure Donte DiVincenzo is the asset that he may have been initially thought though.

Last season DiVincenzo shot just 42.4% from the field and 39.7% from deep. Both of those numbers trailed his 2023-24 marks with the New York Knicks (44.3%/40.1%). He was virtually non-existent in the playoffs, and took quite some time to integrate during the regular season.

I don’t have an issue paying Reid a substantial amount of money as his value is worth far more than a traditional sixth man. That said, the Timberwolves have yet to make an addition either. The frontcourt may see Beringer get time during his rookie season, but that hasn’t been customary for Finch-coached teams.

Related: Minnesota Timberwolves Pick Called Steal of NBA Draft

The Minnesota Timberwolves should have regular minutes for Terrence Shannon Jr. this season. If Rob Dillingham can earn them that would be a boost.

Where is the MN Timberwolves point guard?

A key missing piece, that has yet to be addressed, is an additional playmaking point guard. Ideally a clone of Ricky Rubio would work for this team. Lonzo Ball was a potential option that is off the table, and so too is fan-favorite and Minnesota-native Tyus Jones.

There are still some names on the open market, but Minnesota must act. Mike Conley is 37 years old and averaged a career-low 8.2 points per game last season. He often was left unattended to being overlooked as an option, and that doesn’t work from the starting lineup.

Related: MN Timberwolves Remain Near Top of NBA Power Rankings

Dillingham may eventually be the successor, but asking him to make that leap after what we saw in year one is largely false hope. The more that Finch can get Anthony Edwards moving off the ball, the better he can attack defenders.

This offseason seems like it should be graded more in the “C” range with the only moves completed being those that were expected. It’s time for Connelly to put the final touches on the roster and do so in the critical spots.

After the Wolves pulled two international 18-year-old big men out of the 2025 draft heap, Connelly turned his attention to Minnesota’s own crop of pending offseason departures, specifically Naz Reid (player option), Julius Randle (player option) and Nickeil Alexander-Walker (UFA).

On Friday evening, Tim settled Reid’s uncertainty with a new 5 year, $125 million contract that has received rather widespread criticism nationally, as an overpay. Locally, it was pretty well-known that Naz Reid was going to be paid as a starter, in the neighborhood of $25-30 million per year.

Minnesota Timberwolves sign Julius Randle to contract extension

Still, I expect the news reported by Shams Charania (ESPN) early Sunday afternoon will likely wrap national pundits up in even more confusion. Not only is Naz Reid coming back, but so is Julius Randle… on a fresh 3-year, $100 million deal ($33.3 million/year) that includes a player option in its final season (2027-28).

BREAKING: Three-time NBA All-Star Julius Randle intends to sign a new three-year, $100 million deal to stay with the Minnesota Timberwolves, sources tell ESPN. The deal includes a player option for the 2027-28 season. pic.twitter.com/j8fKA45gXu

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 29, 2025

Last season, his first in a Timberwolves uniform, Julius Randle averaged 18.7 points, 7.1 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game. He struggled a bit to find his fit during the first half of the season. Then, a midseason injury sidelined the 30-year-old former Kentucky Wildcat for all of February.

It was then, according to Randle, where he was able to observe his new team, from the outside-looking-in. That perspective allowed him to unlock his fit. From there, his numbers bumped up and the wins rolled in. Minnesota went into February (Randle’s month off) with a 27-21 record and questions all over the fit of its roster, especially Randle.

Julius Randle paid by Timberwolves after incredible finish to season

But after Julius’ return on March 3, he slid in like the perfect puzzle piece. And from that date on, the Timberwolves went 17-4 to finish the regular season, jumping a half-dozen teams to claim the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference playoff bracket, just outside of the play-in tournament.

In the playoffs, Randle was one of the most reliable Wolves on the floor during their first two series. He averaged 23.9 points, 5.9 rebounds and 5.9 assists in Minnesota’s 10 combined postseason games against the Lakers and Warriors. Unfortunately, he too fell off vs OKC (17.4 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 3.0 APG).

Julius Randle in the 2025 postseason:

🐺 22.4 points per game
🐺 6.4 assists per game
🐺 triple-double in G3 last Saturday

The @Timberwolves have a record of 23-6 since Randle returned from injury in March 💪 pic.twitter.com/y3KR7ssq40

— NBA (@NBA) May 12, 2025

Related: Rudy Gobert Finally Says No to International Play

After the Wolves failed to reel in Durant, local reports have pointed to running it back with mostly the same roster. This does not mean Julius Randle will be a member of the Minnesota Timberwolves for the next three seasons. In fact, don’t be shocked if he doesn’t last until the trade deadline.

Don’t worry, there is a method to Tim Connelly’s madness

Most likely, the Wolves will start the 2025-26 season with a roster very similar to last year’s. But if a move needs to be made before the playoff run, or next offseason (etc), we all know Tim Connelly won’t hesitate.

Sure, getting rid of Randle would now have to come via trade, but his status in Minnesota remains year-to-year, even month to month. The same thing can be said for everyone else on the Wolves’ roster, not named Anthony Edwards.

Thus, his new deal should not come as a huge surprise. But then again, Reid’s shouldn’t have either. We are getting the flurry of announcements now, because NBA free agency begins on July 1, so this weekend is the deadline for 2025-26 player options to be decided on.

After Randle’s new contract, local beat reporters have confirmed that Nickeil Alexander-Walker will be the odd-Wolf out. With the Reid + Randle extensions hitting the books, there is no room remaining under the second apron for a player as valuable as NAW.

This deal does mean that NAW will be headed elsewhere. Wolves have people behind him ready for a shot and they’re going to get it

— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) June 29, 2025

What this does move does is give both the Timberwolves and Julius Randle more control of over their future. With Reid, Randle, Gobert, Ant and Jaden under long term contracts, this organization is stacked with talent of all ages that other teams would happily pay for, if Tim Connelly needs to move someone.

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.

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.

Minnesota has surged to a 6-2 record in the NBA Playoffs, after also dropping the Los Angeles Lakers 4-1 in the first round. While this team took some time to find their way, they have come together at the right time.

National talking heads don’t typically give teams from Minnesota their flowers. In a surprising turn of events however, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith is ready to do much more than that.

Minnesota Timberwolves are NBA Title favorites says Stephen A. Smith

Draymond Green used his postgame podium time to talk up the Minnesota Timberwolves and suggested “they have a real chance” at winning it all. Stephen A. Smith, who is well known for his boisterous personality is going even one step further. The First Take host says they should be the favorites.

Stephen A Smith has the Minnesota Timberwolves as NBA Finals Favorites 😳 pic.twitter.com/6EYRFSFdgy

— SneakerReporter (@SneakerReporter) May 16, 2025

“I believe that the Minnesota Timberwolves should be a favorite to win a championship at this point. I think they should be favored over the Knicks. I think they should be favored over the Indiana Pacers. I think they should be favored over OKC (Oklahoma City), even, and definitely Denver who they beat all four times they played this year. I think when you see the way they play defense, obviously that rivals OKC, who they split their four games with this year.

I’m going to bring up the name Julius Randle, because when I think about how he has played in these playoffs, particularly the last four games of the series against Golden State…We know what Ant-man brings to the table. I think that when you’re Oklahoma City and you’re thinking about a team you have to concern yourself with…Minnesota could stay close enough. It could come down to SGA (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander) versus Ant-man. I just think that even though SGA is about to win league MVP, Ant-man is so special. Particularly at this moment in his career. I just find it hard to believe that I can look at anybody and say, at this juncture, that they should be favored over Minnesota.”

Stephen A. Smith – ESPN

That is quite the strong vote of confidence from Smith. Maybe even more so because the Minnesota Timberwolves have not even played their best basketball during the playoffs. As a team, they have come out on top and looked like the superior squad, but they have also had roster advantages in each matchup.

Multiple games have seen Anthony Edwards get off to slow starts, and he has three games where he shot 40% or worse from the field. His three-point percentage (38.5%) is down from the 39.5% he shot during the regular season. Although he had the big 43-point performance against the Lakers, his teammates have really stepped up.

Related: Draymond Green Glazes Timberwolves, Including a Little Love for Rudy Gobert…?

On the flip side, if the Timberwolves get a more efficient and consistent Edwards, then no opponent stands a chance. Julius Randle has been huge in both series, and has established himself as a serious difference maker in the playoffs.

History made by MN Timberwolves

A return to the Western Conference Finals looked impossible at points early on during this Minnesota Timberwolves season. Ultimately they weathered the storm and the team has gelled in the wake of trading franchise fixture Karl-Anthony Towns.

Now they are on the doorstep of an NBA Finals berth for the second straight season, and as previously mentioned, have accomplished that feat for the first time in franchise history.

"There is no satisfaction." 🗣️

Ant & Rudy are hungry for more after clinching a spot in the Conference Finals 👀 pic.twitter.com/POHn4JBoH3

— NBA TV (@NBATV) May 15, 2025

As Anthony Edwards said though, this team is not and can not be satisfied. The goal is still to win eight more games and anything short of that would be a disappointment.

Minnesota will face either Oklahoma City or Denver, and with an additional period of rest, they’ll be looking to give the opponent all they can handle.

Steph Curry remained out for game four, and likely game five too, which is just another reason why the Warriors needed a win so desperately. If they can’t find a way to secure one victory in this series without their superstar, then he may not return in time to play superhero in the final games.

Like we have seen throughout this series, the Timberwolves got off to yet another slow start on Monday night. That allowed Golden State to secure a 28-27 lead at the end of one quarter and a 60-58 lead at half.

But yet again, Minnesota flipped the switch during halftime, and came out looking like a complete different team, lighting the Warriors up for 39 points in the third quarter, alone. Golden State, meanwhile, was just trying to keep up with Anthony Edwards, who nearly outscored them by himself, 16-17 in that period.

say it with us now.

ANT-1. 😤 pic.twitter.com/80wQR05jBy

— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) May 13, 2025

Just like that, the Wolves found themselves leading by 20 points going into the fourth quarter, a lead they held into garbage time. Because without Steph available to shoot them back into it, and Jimmy Butler looking like a shell of his former self, 20 points is a deficit this Warriors team is not capable of coming back from.

What We Learned – Minnesota Timberwolves vs Golden State Warriors (Gm 4)

When the dust settled on game four, the Minnesota Timberwolves stood on top 117-110. Julius Randle scored a game-high 31 points and kept the Wolves in the game early, while others were slow to get going. Jaden McDaniels put up a double-double, with 10 points and 13 rebounds. Nickeil Alexander-Walker and others made big contributions too.

The final score makes game three look like a way closer contest than what it was, at least in the second half. That was mostly thanks to sloppy play by the Wolves’ B-squad, which allowed the Warriors B-squad to bring it within two possessions by the final buzzer.

Nonetheless, it’s a W and a 3-1 series lead. Minnesota went to San Francisco and took care of business… twice. Now, they get their aforementioned opportunity to close things out in game five, back in Minnesota.

So, here is what we learned about the Timberwolves during their game four dub (other than the fact that the Warriors can’t hang, especially without Steph Curry).

Thank the basketball gods (and Tim Connelly) for Julius Randle

In the first half Monday night, with Anthony Edwards once again off to a slow start, Minnesota needed Julius Randle to be a calming force offensively. So, per usual, the 30-year-old former No. 7 overall pick out of Kentucky did what was asked of him.

He lead all first half scorers with 19 points (including 3-of-5 from deep), to go with his 5 first half rebounds. He also scored the Wolves’ first five points of the game, after Golden State jumped out to an early 5-0 lead.

Julius Randle is up to 10 in the 1Q 🔥

Timberwolves (2-1) Warriors going back and forth to start Game 4!

📺 ESPN pic.twitter.com/Blf9SOMGq6

— NBA (@NBA) May 13, 2025

If you would have told me back in January that Julius Randle would be the Minnesota Timberwolves playoff MVP through their first seven wins of the postseason, I would have laughed at you.

Don’t get me wrong, Randle has been contributing big minutes all regular season, where he averaged 18.7 points, 7.1 rebounds and 4.7 points per game. But he struggled to find where he belonged in the Wolves offense, not to mention his lack of effort oftentimes on the defensive end.

Related: Video Surfaces Proving NBA Refs Will Allow Just About Any Crime Against Rudy Gobert

But after sitting out for all of February with injury, Julius got an opportunity to watch the Minnesota offense work without him. And when he came back, he immediately looked like a much more natural fit in the Wolves offense. Since the playoff started, that has only intensified, as has his defense.

Now, Randle has become the Wolves baby blanket. Whether they need him to take the ball up the court and act as a point forward, or they need a bucket to stop a run, even a big stop on defense, head coach Chris Finch has learned that he can call Julius Randle’s number for just about anything right now, and he will deliver.

Julius Randle has been absolutely masterful in this series. pic.twitter.com/anGxrlixtg

— Esfandiar Baraheni (@JustEsBaraheni) May 13, 2025

Minnesota Timberwolves love playing down to their competition early in games

As they have way too often in these playoffs, the Minnesota Timberwolves came out slow in game four. The Golden State Warriors jumped out to an early 5-0 lead, before Julius Randle realized he needed to calm the waters. But while it seems like the Timberwolves like to fall behind all the time, it has been especially bad in this series.

Why? Well, I have a theory. Minnesota knows that, especially without Steph Curry, they are a much better team than this iteration of the Golden State Warriors. Thus, the Wolves continue to come out of the opening gates lacking playoff-level intensity and focus.

At the end of the day, this team goes as Anthony Edwards does. And when the best player on the floor, outside of him, is a 35-year-old Jimmy Butler and washed up Draymond Green… it’s harder for him to get up for tip-off. I mean look at this kid. He might want Steph back in the series even more than Warriors fans do.

Anthony Edwards practicing the “night night” celly before the game..

Have some damn shame bro 😭 y’all would be getting smoked if Steph was healthy pic.twitter.com/yWhmX8dtQT

— Steph Curry Muse (@StephMuse_) May 13, 2025

Of course, that’s not the best mentality to have. But at the end of the day, human nature almost always wins. And when you know you have a vastly superior team than your opponent, it’s more difficult to stay 100% engaged and locked in.

The Anthony Edwards we saw in round one never made it to San Francisco. He’s still back in LA talking shit to LeBron and flinging spider webs at Luka Doncic. Let’s be real, that hits different than flinging webs at Jonathan Kuminga or Buddy Hield.

Anthony Edwards takeover begins in, 3…2…1…

Anthony Edwards scored 14 points in the first half of game four, and his final three points of those first 24 minutes came in the final second, when he hit a deep step back three-pointer on two Warriors to close the half. While the Minnesota Timberwolves entered the second half down 58-60, you knew Golden State was in trouble after this.

And wouldn’t you know it, that is exactly how the 2nd half went. After scoring 14 points the entire first half, Anthony Edwards scored 16 points in the third quarter, nearly outscoring the entire Warriors team.

🚨ANTHONY EDWARDS AT THE BUZZER🚨

pic.twitter.com/wWIhEg7RxO

— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) May 13, 2025

The third quarter Wolves onslaught on Monday night was so detrimental that, by the end of the period, Golden State had gone from up two points… to down twenty, after Minnesota outscored them 39-17. All this goes back to a point I have been making since before this series started, and especially after Curry went out with injury.

Related: Minnesota Timberwolves Announcer Lands a Couple More Jobs

Unless the Minnesota Timberwolves play like absolute trash, the Golden State Warriors — just like the LA Lakers before them — do not stand a chance. The Wolves have too much star power, followed up with waaaaayyy too much depth behind them. Most other NBA teams, including the Warriors, have one or the other.

ANTHONY EDWARDS IS TAKING OVER ‼️

He's got 28 PTS on 6 3PM…

Midway through the 3Q 🤯 pic.twitter.com/TCMnKn16bp

— NBA (@NBA) May 13, 2025

Edwards hot third quarter was eventually put out by foul trouble. But by then, it was too late. The Minnesota Timberwolves were already up 20 and his teammates were already following their superstars lead by knocking down shots of their own, including Donte DiVincenzo, Julius Randle.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker even went a perfect 5-of-5 on the night, good for 11 points. In game six, it feels like the Warriors will need Steph Curry to stand a chance, especially if Jimmy Butler isn’t going to show up. We’ll see if they those dreams come true.

Unfortunately, the Wolves came out sluggish in the first half, something they have shown a propensity for throughout the first two rounds of this series. Even without Steph on the other side, Minnesota found themselves trailing by two points at halftime, a lead the Warriors stretched to five, a couple times during the third quarter.

What We Learned – Minnesota Timberwolves @ Golden State Warriors (Gm 3)

Anthony Edwards was slow to go for three quarters, which explains why the Timberwolves were inconsistent for most of the night. That changed in the fourth (see more on that below), and as soon as it did, so did the outlook of game three.

While Ant was figuring it out, Minnesota struggled to find its identity. Meanwhile, Jimmy Butler had by far his best game of this series, scoring 33 points, to go along with 7 assists and 7 rebounds. Jonathan Kuminga had a career night as well, contributing 30 points of his own, along with 5 rebounds and 3 assists.

But when the Minnesota Timberwolves flipped that switch in the fourth quarter, the Golden State Warriors suddenly looked like they didn’t belong on the same court as the Wolves, who outscored the Warriors 33-24 in the fourth quarter, pulling ahead in the closing minutes, before securing a 102-97 victory that pulled them ahead 2-1 in the series.

Without further ado, here’s what we learned tonight in game three of the western conference semifinals between the Timberwolves and Warriors on Saturday night.

Thank God Tim Connelly traded for Julius Randle

The longer we go on in these 2024-25 NBA Playoffs, the more appreciative I become for Julius Randle. Throughout the postseason, and during much of the second half of the regular season, Randle has unlocked something with the Wolves that he struggled to find immediately after being traded to Minnesota.

On Saturday night, not only did Randle put up a triple double — 24 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists — but just like he has all playoffs long, the former No. 7 overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft has become the Timberwolves’ stabilizing force, whenever that is needed.

Julius Randle defensive rebound + drive-and-kick pass to Anthony Edwards for the corner 3 pic.twitter.com/8lGJXGEnQ8

— Timberwolves Clips (@WolvesClips) May 11, 2025

Struggling to make shots, get the ball in the high post to Julius Randle. Need a veteran to slow things down and setup the offense, Randle can do that too. Need a strong big man not named Rudy Gobert to lock down a LeBron James or Jimmy Butler? Call on Julius Randle.

Related: Minnesota Timberwolves Announcer Lands a Couple More Jobs

Whatever the doctor calls for, Randle is there to provide it. It may have taken a while for him to gel with his new teammates, but for two or three months now, the 30-year-old out of Dallas, Texas has been everything the Minnesota Timberwolves could have hoped for… and more.

It’s nice when Anthony Edwards shows up… he should do it more

Saturday night was the umpteenth time this postseason that nobody told Anthony Edwards the game had started, until the second half. In game three, Ant went 3-of-12 (25%) in the first half, including 1-of-5 from deep.

For much of the first three quarters, we watched our 23-year-old superstar work in sleepwalk mode. He looked hesitant to try and get downhill toward the rim, while also lacking confidence in his three point shot. And as Edwards struggled, it allowed the Warriors to hang around.

That was until midway through the third quarter, when Ant flipped the superstar switch and became a completely different player. How did he do it. By getting to the rim. In the third, Edwards went 6-of-10. Five of his makes were at the rim… but it was this dunk that changed everything about tonight’s game.

ANTHONY EDWARDS JUST TOUCHED THE HEAVENS 😱 pic.twitter.com/SwIvUt3LLo

— ESPN (@espn) May 11, 2025

Then, the fourth quarter came along, and by then, Anthony Edwards was feeling himself a little bit, shooting 4-of-6 from the field, including 3-of-5 from three point land. And as Ant got hotter, the hopes of the Golden State Warriors went into the toilet.

Related: Timberwolves Coach Dumbfounded with Refs’ Mistreatment of Rudy Gobert

Edwards finished 13-of-28 for a game-high 36 points, to go along with 4 rebounds and 4 assists. And what we really learned tonight… was something we already knew deep down. As long as the Minnesota Timberwolves play semi-decent basketball against this Curry-less Warriors squad… this series is loser-proof.

Anthony Edwards TAKES OVER, Julius Randle drops triple-double as the @Timberwolves win Game 3 🔥💯

Edwards: 36 PTS (28 in 2H), 5 3PM
Randle: 24 PTS, 10 REB, 12 AST, 3 STL

MIN leads series 2-1 pic.twitter.com/4WBy592S8f

— NBA (@NBA) May 11, 2025

Another playoff team that can’t hang with the Minnesota Timberwolves

Much like what we saw in round one against the Los Angeles Lakers, the Golden State Warriors do not have the firepower to hang with this incredibly deep Minnesota Timberwolves roster, as long as they perform anywhere near their capabilities.

For the Warriors to hang around, they need to play really well and the Wolves need to do the opposite. Tonight, that’s what took place for most of three quarters. Now, once the West Finals roll around and their opponent is… say… the OKC Thunder, laying off the gas pedal will no longer be an option, even for a quarter.

But the 2025 Golden State Warriors are not the Thunder. So until then, we’ll see if the Timberwolves can stay engaged enough to take this series in five.

One thing that seems certain, though, is that they are likely to keep their core rotation intact going into next season. After dealing Karl-Anthony Towns just before the year started, the expectation was that money would be freed to keep young center Naz Reid. And, despite his name being thrown around in trade rumors, Julius Randle may have reason to keep his roots with the Timberwolves as well.

Minnesota is currently 8th in the Western Conference with a 41-32 record. They have just nine games to play, and are looking to avoid the dreaded play-in tournament. To do so, they’ll need both of their big men to step up prior to thinking about their future.

Both Minnesota Timberwolves big men rumored to return

Right now the Minnesota Timberwolves sit above the second luxury tax apron. That means, barring salary shedding, Tim Connelly’s team is subject to sign-and-trade restrictions, midlevel exception restrictions, trade restrictions, and first round picks (seven years out) are frozen.

It’s hard for the Timberwolves to escape that reality, because Reid, Randle, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker are all unrestricted free agents this offseason. Each of them represents a premier talent that the Wolves want back, but will also be coveted on the open market. Senior ESPN NBA writer Tim Bontemps expects Reid and Randle to return, either on player options or new deals, but predicts that NAW will hit the open market.

“The general belief from sources around the league on both Reid and Randle is that they’ll be back in Minnesota next season, though what form that takes is unclear. Both could potentially opt into their contracts and extend (Reid has a $15 million player option, while Randle’s is $29 million) or opt out and sign new deals.”

ESPN

Naz Reid earned Sixth Man of the Year honors last season. He is a fan-favorite, and his 14.7 points per game this year are a career-high. His 27.9 minutes per game are also a career-best, and the departure of Towns has allowed for Reid to flourish in a greater capacity.

It has been somewhat of a slow burn for Randle with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Understandably it took time for him to gel with new teammates in a different system. He also dealt with an injury. Through 60 games, he has averaged 32 minutes per game, and 18.6 points, all while pairing with Rudy Gobert in the paint.

Related: Glen Taylor Holding Back Timberwolves Ownership Change Yet Again

That leaves Alexander-Walker, who has blossomed into a key role player. He has appeared in 73 games with 10 starts, and has averaged 9.2 points per game. Next season will be his seventh in the NBA, and he will be seeking more opportunity, as well as a payday. It’s understandable to see why Alexander-Walker could be the odd man out.

What do the MN Timberwolves do in free agency?

It’s difficult to project where the Minnesota Timberwolves will turn, and that issue starts all the way at the top. Right now, the franchise expects to be owned by Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore, but how long is it going to take? President Tim Connelly signed a one-year extension to see the process play out, but he’ll need clarity to decide whether he stays and builds or leaves for greener pastures.

ESPN Insider Brian Windhorst also isn’t certain how things will play out, for those same reasons. The reality is that Minnesota lacks clarity on the ownership situation.

“There are some combinations where they could fit Alexander-Walker, Reid and Randle back in below the projected $207 million second apron, but there’s no clarity on how deep whoever owns the team is willing to go…Minnesota has another potential free agent: team president Tim Connelly. But with ownership uncertain, he negotiated a no-strings-attached out in his contract after last season. When Taylor and Lore went to court, sources told ESPN, Connelly agreed to an amendment in his deal to push the opt-out to this summer. Team sources also said that Lore has made it a priority to extend Connelly with a new deal once he gets full control of the team. Lore doesn’t have the team yet, and Connelly is still holding the opt-out.”

ESPN

Beyond just the organizational structure, there has been plenty of suggestion regarding a monumental shakeup to the roster. The Timberwolves attempted to trade for Kevin Durant this season at the trade deadline. Those talks are expected to rekindle during the offseason, and they’d likely involve Randle.

Veteran Joe Ingles is definitely gone, and Mike Conley could join him. The youth of Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, and Donte DiVencenzo isnlt going anywhere, and neither are draft picks like Rob Dillingham, Terrence Shannon Jr., and Leonard Miller. Jaylen Clark, Josh Minott, and Luka Garza are likely to be around as well.

It will be fascinating to see how the Minnesota Timberwolves navigate roster building this offseason. That only gets more complicated if they opt to keep and pay both of their big men. Once we know who’s making the final call, we may have more clarity.

Minnesota Timberwolves expecting Julius Randle back vs Phoenix Suns

According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, Julius Randle is expected to join Edwards tonight, in what would be his first game since January 30. In 48 games played this season, the 30-year-old former Kentucky Wildcat is averaging 18.9 points, 7.2 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game.

Minnesota Timberwolves star Julius Randle (groin) intends to make his return tonight against the Phoenix Suns after being sidelined the past 13 games, league sources tell me. pic.twitter.com/xpn3bSYtdr

— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) March 2, 2025

President of basketball operations Tim Connelly traded Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo, just before the start of the regular season. Since, the Minnesota Timberwolves have not been the same team.

But one thing we’ve learned since Randle suffered his injury back on January 30, during a win vs the Utah Jazz, is that the Wolves are definitely better with their new big man available, than without. From a numbers standpoint, Julius Randle’s numbers are very similar, even though his minutes are a bit down.

In the 14 games played since Julius left the rotation, the MN Timberwolves are a paltry 6-8. They’ve fallen all the way to 9th place in the Western Conference. Prior to Randle’s injury, the Timberwolves were 27-21 and 6th in the West.