Chris Finch will need to decide if he’s going to use rookie first round pick Joan Beringer as part of the rotation. Terrence Shannon Jr. can eat up plenty of the minutes vacated by the since-departed Nickeil Alexander-Walker.

From there the team has seemingly needed to add guard talent. Specifically they need a playmaker to facilitate behind or alongside of Mike Conley. Maybe Johnny Juzang can be part of the answer.

Johnny Juzang joins Minnesota Timberwolves

Plenty of the big ticket free agents are off the board. That won’t stop the Timberwolves from looking to improve the roster on the fringes. NBA insider Shams Charania reports that former Utah Jazz guard Johnny Juzang is headed to Minnesota.

Free agent guard Johnny Juzang has agreed to a one-year deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves, sources tell ESPN. Juzang played his first three NBA seasons in Utah and averaged 8.9 points and 38% 3-point shooting in 19.8 minutes per game in 2024-25.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 1, 2025

The former Kentucky and UCLA product spent his first three seasons in the NBA with the Utah Jazz. Last season was his most productive in the NBA as he played 64 games and averaged 8.9 points.

Johnny Juzang shot 38.8% on catch-and-shoot threes last season

He's become a legitimate three point shooting threat over his last few years in Utah pic.twitter.com/kV6yfMeH6R

— Jazz Lead (@JazzLead) June 8, 2025

After averaging 18.6 minutes per game in 2023-24, he jumped up to 19.8 minutes per game last season. Juzang’s efficiency took a slight step back last season. After shooting 46.4% two years ago, he was at just 42.9% last season. The three-point percentage dropped from 41.6% to 37.6% as well.

Juzang has played more of the shooting guard role at the professional level. He’s not an ideal fit for the ball-handling facilitator type. How Minnesota deploys him will be something to monitor.

Related: Timberwolves Bring Back Fan Favorite Uniform; Tease Full Rebrand

Although it doesn’t feel like they have been off the court too long, the MN Timberwolves will soon be back in action. This is their first year under new ownership.

With president of basketball operations Tim Connelly adding and retaining four post players in the last week, the Wolves decided it was time to let two of their young depth bigs hit the open market.

Luka Garza and Josh Minott have Minnesota Timberwolves options declined

The Minnesota Timberwolves are up against the second apron when it comes to luxury tax implications for 2025-26 season. That’s part of the reason that expectations are for Nickeil Alexander-Walker to move on. Luka Garza and Josh Minott weren’t necessarily on the radar, but they’re now on the way out.

Garza could still return to the Wolves as well. Technically the wolves have the taxpayer MLE available to them, but it’s REALLY close. Will see how it all shakes out

— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) June 29, 2025

As The Athletic’s Jon Krawczynski points out, it’s possible that the MN Timberwolves bring Garza back with a mid-level exception. That isn’t exactly straightforward though, considering Minnesota still needs to spend on other areas of the roster.

Related: Former Timberwolves Guard Being Investigated for Betting on NBA Games

Luka Garza is something of a fan-favorite considering he hails from Iowa. After playing for the Pistons as a rookie, Garza has spent three seasons with the Timberwolves. He never averaged more than 8.7 minutes per game, and his 3.5 points per game last season were a career-low.

Luka Garza one-legged fadeaway jumper pic.twitter.com/Kwi2lamfSW

— Timberwolves Clips (@WolvesClips) May 25, 2025

Head coach Chris Finch didn’t routinely put Garza on the floor, but he did show some flashes during limited stretches. It’s unfortunate the Minnesota Timberwolves aren’t keeping him around on such a minimal contract, but that’s what happens when you’re up against the 2nd apron for the second-straight season, like the Wolves are.

What will Timberwolves lose with Minott, Garza departures?

Josh Minott has been more hype than production pretty much since the moment Minnesota selected him in the 2nd round of the 2022 NBA Draft. as was expected with his raw profile.

In his third year with the Timberwolves, the former Memphis big man averaged 22 points and 6.3 rebounds per game down in Iowa, along with 2.6 points in 6.0 minutes per game in the NBA. Without a doubt, both Garza and Minott will have NBA opportunities on the open market.

The Athletic’s Jon Krawczynski even left the door open for a possible Luka Garza return (on the mid-level exception), though that sounds unlikely. While the Wolves may now be on the lookout for a veteran post to stash on the end of the bench, it doesn’t sound like Garza will be that guy.

Garza could still return to the Wolves as well. Technically the wolves have the taxpayer MLE available to them, but it’s REALLY close. Will see how it all shakes out

— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) June 29, 2025

Now entering the meat of the National Basketball Association offseason, Minnesota is still in need of another ball handler and/or wing scorer to help ease the offensive weight on Anthony Edwards’ shoulders. But after they paid Naz and Randle, they don’t really have money to do either.

Free agency officially begins on Monday June 30 at 5pm central time, though deals cannot be officially signed until July 6th. As expected for a while, Nickeil Alexander-Walker will join Luka Garza and Josh Minott as Minnesota Timberwolves who will be swimming in that rather shallow 2025 NBA free agency pool.

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.

Instead, there is a push from the top-down, to do whatever it takes (within reason) to return as much talent from the 2023-24 roster, as possible. Chatter of a Karl-Anthony Towns trade has mostly died out and rumors regarding anyone else never really got going.

They shipped Kyle Anderson to Golden State, via sign and trade, and lost Monte Morris to Phoenix. Luka Garza is coming back and they signed veteran sharpshooter Joe Ingles via free agency. He’ll be an improvement on offense, compared to Anderson, but probably a step back on defense.

Now, Minnesota has one roster spot remaining and their PoBO is trying to fill it with a useable bench veteran who is worth more than the minimum contract, but is willing to take a paycut in order to chase a ring with the Timberwolves.

Minnesota Timberwolves still targeting another shooter to fill out roster

So far, that’s proven to be easier said, than done. Nonetheless, he reportedly has some targets still in his crosshairs. According to Jon Krawczynski (The Athletic), those names include (one of us) Gary Trent Jr, Lonnie Walker IV, Doug McDermott and… a possible return of Malik Beasley.

The Wolves still have one open roster spot to fill. They can only offer a veteran’s minimum contract to players such as Gary Trent Jr., Lonnie Walker IV, Doug McDermott or Malik Beasley, all of whom would help address needs. Whether any of those players, who have all had success in the league, would take a minimum contract to come to Minnesota remains to be seen.

NBA insider Jon Krawczynski on possible Timberwolves free agent targets (The Athletic)

There’s one major similarity between all of the names that Jon K mentions above. They are all wing shooters, which tells you what kind of player Chris Finch would like to take that final roster spot.

Gary Trent Jr, Malik Beasley would be ideal options for Minnesota Timberwolves

Gary Trent Jr, an Apple Valley native, is only 25 years old. In 2023-24, he averaged over 13 points per game and shot nearly 40% from three. Two years ago, as a 23-year-old averaging over 18 per game, Trent Jr. appeared on his way to getting a max contract extension. Instead, his play has fallen off a bit the past couple years, leaving him now as a high-end minimum contract option, according to Jon.

I think I See Gary Trent Jr’s Time As Raptor… It’s Over Lets Be Brutally Honest.. unless Masai does some magic work pic.twitter.com/ELhPBiI0Dq

— Kadeem (@kdeemoo) June 30, 2024

Former Wolf Malik Beasley falls into the same category as Trent Jr, and if we assume the latter will get more money elsewhere, Beasley might be Minnesota’s best option. He has the best three point percentage of all four players, and would seem more likely to settle for a veteran minimum deal. Like Trent Jr, Malik Beasley doesn’t like to play much defense, but he does rebound at a higher clip than the others too.

Lonnie Walker IV, Doug McDermott feel like the more realistic options…

Lonnie Walker IV looks like a Gary Trent Jr // Malik Beasley Lite, on paper. He’s also just 25 y/o, and doesn’t do much outside of scoring. But his best offensive season came in 2021-22, when he averaged 12.1 points per game. Last year, he averaged just 9.7.

The most veteran target listed is Doug McDermott, who’s from Grand Forks, ND. The 32 y/o is coming off of a season where he averaged just 5.5 points per game (64 games), by far the worst of his least productive season since 2014-15… when he was a rookie.

season 10 for Doug McDermott ✔️ pic.twitter.com/414lSPFQcq

— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) June 15, 2024

Related: Could Ricky Rubio Return to Minnesota Timberwolves?

At first glance, Dougie Basketball might look like the least attractive option, but he may also be the most realistic. He’s older, and coming off of a season that legitimately fits a veteran minimum player, vs three mid-20-somethings who probably believe they are worth more than that.

But man… after taking a look at Malik Beasley’s numbers again. I would love a reunion. We’ll make sure there aren’t any Parade of Homes events going on anywhere near him, if he returns. Can we put that in his contract?

No giannis or dame yet pacers got Malik Beasley twerking on them wtf pic.twitter.com/0q8YpS3L42

— whristan (@whristan1) May 1, 2024

I actually hate how confident I am in the Wolves landing D-Lo. These new-style front offices that are taking over Minnesota sports are (for some unknown reason) making me dangerously confident that our franchises (which have NEVER made blockbuster moves that ended positively) are actually going to pull that big news trigger and that it’s then going to work out in our favor….

via GIPHY

No matter how confident I am, or even how confident the Wolves Front Office is, that D’Angelo Russell will be wearing a Timberwolves jersey next season, you always have to have a “Plan B”. The Wolves had a “Plan B” PG if Russell didn’t pan out. You might know him… He was drafted really young out of Europe, has a nose bigger than my dic….(sorry), and already owns the hearts of Wolves fans around the world:

While D'Angelo Russell is clear-cut Plan A for the #Twolves at PG, Plan B was said to be Ricky Rubio. Wolves were preparing one heck of a recruiting video for him, for one. But they were led to believe early in the process that he was off to somewhere else. Sounds like Indiana.

— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) June 30, 2019

There you go, Minnesota… You were in love with a man named Ricky Rubio and he is no longer in love with you… It’s sad to see, really. Think about all of those Ricky Rubio fans that will now put on their #9 and sob uncontrollably for the next few days. Work time will have to be taken and freezers will need to be stocked with ice cream.

It’s that high school girlfriend or boyfriend that you dumped before you went to college. He/She didn’t get any better looking or change anything you didn’t like about them while separated from each other… but then you see them change their facebook profile out of a relationship, and you can’t help yourself from sending a quick text or FB message to see if they are “feeling ok” or “if there’s anything you can do for them”?

…and then you wait:

via GIPHY

…

…..

…….

………(until about 14 hours later) you finally get this: “no”

How I actually feel about the Rubio cold shoulder:

Thanks god (or aliens or Tom Cruz or whoever you’re into crediting that this didn’t happen).

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

There are a lot of things around the Minnesota Sports Twitter-sphere that are telling us we need NFL training camp to start. Badly.

Could the @packers run the table? ?@MJD and @89JonesNTAF predict their record ⬇️

?: @NFLTotalAccess pic.twitter.com/FHcrl0yytI

— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) July 11, 2018

The players seem ready too…

Bro lol I get your argument. I can take criticism as well. But I know the solution to the back and forth. If you have time and a piece of paper draw up any route you want I can run it. Say how many steps you want it to be and the type of break you want. ?

— DIGGS (@stefondiggs) July 14, 2018

But, beyond the constant pull of neck-scratching addiction to football season, the one thing I can’t escape is the Jimmy Butler contract talk. You’ve heard by now. Buckets turned down the Timberwolves’ offer for a max-contract extension. If you stayed away from the #FakeNews, then you also know that Jimmy made that decision with financial motivations and NOT ‘I hate Minnesota and the Timberwolves Organization’ motivations. We can all understand the want to cash in to the max degree. It’s what’s great about capitalism.

(con.) Jimmy/his side expressed gratitude for the #Twolves extending such a nice offer. Logically speaking, it just makes sense to wait, even while betting on maintaining health. He can make a lot more $$ here or elsewhere next July.

— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) July 13, 2018

And how much more $$$ could it be, you ask? A lot more.

Jimmy Butler could sign a 4-year, $140M deal with another team as an unrestricted free agent next offseason OR a 5-year, $188M deal with Minnesota. So what do you think he’s going to do with a 4/$110M offer today besides crumple it up like a box score & toss it over his shoulder?

— John Meyer (@thedailywolf) July 13, 2018

Yes. $70-80 million more. He might want to take that in a check, no matter what Randy said. Why does he get all of this extra straight cash for waiting one extra year? Honestly, I’m not sure. It’s something to do with the screwy cap the NBA has. Now that he’s declined the contract, that really doesn’t matter. Here’s what does:

Jimmy gets A LOT more guaranteed money next offseason if he re-ups with the Timberwolves. Why?

It’s BIRD RIGHTS, people! I’ve gone in-depth before but it’s pretty simple, if you don’t care about the details: The NBA allows teams, who have had a player under contract for 3 or more years, to give said-player one more guaranteed year (5 years instead of 4) in a new “maximum” deal, than any other team who would be courting him in free agency. Max-players also get a slightly bigger raise every year by re-signing with their current team. These “Bird Rights” also travel with a player if they are traded, which is the case for Butler and the Wolves. The rule was implemented to create competitive balance for teams in smaller markets.

Because of the 5th year the Wolves are able to offer, that the other teams aren’t, Butler will make $40M+ additional by sticking around. That’s a lot of additional dough.

Sure, Butler could play 4 wonderful seasons somewhere else, possibly win championships in an easier fashion, and thus cash in on another big payday, rendering that extra season offered by the Wolves moot. However, the grass isn’t always greener on the other side (except in the Winter) and a serious injury can always make your current contract, your last one.

But, hold on Eric… Jimmy isn’t about the money.

via GIPHY

Well, we’re all about the money to some degree, but sure…. I’ll play along. He said it himself, right? And he did lose money when he busted out of Chicago. So, he’s proven he’s not fully about the money.

So, here’s what needs to happen for Jimmy to believe in Minnesota, take the extra money, and lead some future Minnesota basketball playoff expeditions:

Even beyond the cash, the Timberwolves have a lot more to offer than most other teams, including 2 young stars with limitless potential. Potential he’s already tried to hone, without much success, for one season. So yes, the tables definitely turn if Wiggins doesn’t make a huge step this season AND both he and KAT don’t show more dedication both on, but mostly off, of the court. Those two things aren’t as far out as some fans believe. Not all of us clicked into our adult responsibilities by 22. It’s likely just a matter of time for both Wiggins and Towns. But, that time needs to come this year, if Jimmy is to stay.

And let’s be honest about Jimmy too. He clearly isn’t the easiest teammate or player (if you’re the coach) to get along with. If he can smooth things over with the young generation and everyone on the roster can get on the same page; it’d be much easier, and possibly much better, to remain a Wolf. He also knows the coach here wants to win as badly as he does. Jimmy constantly mentions how difficult his search seems to be for those who salivate for W’s like him.

And, that brings me to my other variable. Thibs.

That’s right Thibs’ haters. I’m calling you out again. If Thibs goes, so does Butler, and so does any chance at NBA relevancy in Minnesota. Is that what you want? I doubt it. So, for the good of Minnesota basketball, just bite your tongue (and Twitter fingers) and let’s see what year-2 of this experiment bares. If it all goes downhill and we have to shake things up after the season (or even during)g, then so be it.

But right now, having a good season and getting Butler to sign next offseason should be the priority. If things can trickle into place, I really believe Butler will stay with Thibs and stay in Minnesota. Who knows what this threesome could be in 3-4 years, when Golden State’s run is hopefully over.

via GIPHY

Eric Strack
MinnesotaSportsFan.com @RealMNSportsFan

On Monday evening, in fashionably late fashion, the National Basketball Association provided fans, players, and media with its second-annual NBA Awards Show.

As anticipated, the TNT-aired program was highlighted with James Harden of the Houston Rockets earning his first career MVP selection. While the artist known as ‘The Beard‘ grabbed the night’s top honor, a member of the 2017-18 Minnesota Timberwolves was able to leave the star-studded event with some fancy new hardware:

Congrats to @JCrossover on earning Teammate of the Year at the #NBAAwards!

Stay being you, J! pic.twitter.com/Gj7T0yjKj2

— Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) June 26, 2018

The well-deserved acknowledgement makes Jamal Crawford the sixth-ever recipient of what’s officially known as the Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year Award. Since 2013, the accolade, which is named after the tragic story of once teammates, Jack Twyman & Maurice Stokes, has been given to the individual considered the league’s most “ideal teammate.”

As you can see, Crawford now finds himself amongst a handful of other highly respected players:

Previous Teammate of the Year Award Winners:

• Dirk Nowitzki (2017)
• Vince Carter (2016)
• Tim Duncan (2015)
• Shane Battier (2014)
• Chauncey Billups (2013)

Watch his reaction press conference here: Link

The 18-year NBA veteran, who isn’t new to league-wide praise (3x Sixth Man of the Year Winner) notched this season’s top-teammate title by beating out runner-up Manu Giniboli by 10 first place votes (80 points total).

Eye ballooned shut or not, if it were up to Austin Rivers, Jamal Crawford would always win Teammate of the Year pic.twitter.com/WKbsccelS6

— Johnny MN (@TheJohnnyMN) June 26, 2018

In regards to Jamal Crawford’s Timberwolves career, all indications are that he’s going to go college superstar on that bit. One and done:

Jamal Crawford to decline Timberwolves contract option, hit FA https://t.co/BFpTvNp318 pic.twitter.com/VyW8e8VeBt

— Bleacher Report NBA (@BR_NBA) May 2, 2018

While he does have a family to feed, the 38 year-old’s decision to become a free agent doesn’t appear to be financially motivated. Speaking of putting food on the table, look who else showed up for the evening’s festivities:

Sup, Spree?!

We’re going behind-the-scenes with the Wolves legend at tonight’s #NBA Awards! pic.twitter.com/t4iit49ntd

— Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) June 25, 2018

Other Notable Awards:

MVP: James Harden

Rookie of the Year: Ben Simmons

Most Improved Player: Victor Oladipo

Defensive Player of the Year: Rudy Gobert

Sixth Man of the Year: Lou Williams

Coach of the Year: Dwayne Casey (Raptors. Casey will not return as Toronto’s HC as he was fired on May 11, 2018)

• Other Finalists: Brad Stevens (Celtics), Quin Snyder (Jazz)

Executive of the Year: Daryl Morey (Rockets)

Sportsmanship Award: Kemba Walker (Hornets)

Lifetime Achievement Award: Oscar Robertson (Retired)

Community Cares Assist Award: Kevin Durant (Warriors)

Sager Strong Award: Dikembe Mutombo (Retired)

Best Style (fan vote): Russell Westbrook (Thunder)

From here, despite having both the draft and the Award Show in the rear view mirror, anyone suggesting that the NBA news is about to slow down is terribly confused.

via GIPHY

The league’s highly anticipated free agency period, which is sure to be beautifully chaotic, begins on July 1st.

Johnny Minnesota (@TheJohnnyMN)
MinnesotaSportsFan.com