In other words, Wolves president of basketball operations Tim Connelly and the rest of the organization turned their focus to the 2025-26 season a while ago.

Yet, if this offseason was one of 10,000+ lakes in the state of Minnesota on a hot summer day, an already sunburnt Chris Finch would still be stuck at the boat landing, holding onto the dock.

Meanwhile, his PoBO has been sitting with the key in the ignition for what feels like hours, going through all of his phone contacts trying ever-more desperately to figure out where this franchise wants to go and what exactly it is they are trying to accomplish on the NBA offseason lake this summer.

Minnesota Timberwolves fail to reel in Kevin Durant

Of course we all know why the Wolves’ boat is still stuck at GO. Because the first thing on Connelly’s itinerary was some serious big game fishing out near the rocky, desert-like beaches of Phoenix Suns Bay, specifically in search for one elusive trophy he’s been chasing since last trade deadline — Kevin Durant.

Unfortunately, Tim never figured out exactly where in those waters KD was located, or even what bait may get him to bite. And now, another team has beat him to his trophy, according to Shams Charania (ESPN).

Late Sunday morning, the stars aligned for the Houston Rockets who finally reeled in Durant, unloading Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks and the No. 10 overall pick in next week’s NBA Draft, in order to fit KD into their live well.

BREAKING: The Phoenix Suns are trading two-time NBA Finals MVP Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick in the 2025 draft and five second-round picks, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/EwrbA2ES9O

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 22, 2025

At the end of the day, no matter how hard you try or how desperate you might be, it’s tough to catch something that seemingly wants nothing to do with every jig, minnow and wax worm you tie on the end of your line.

As bad as the Minnesota Timberwolves wanted Kevin Durant to get them over their WCF hump, the interest was not mutual. So now that he has been landed by another boat, maybe we’ll learn more about why KD did everything within his power to avoid Minnesota, which in case you haven’t heard, freezes over the winter.

Related: Anthony Edwards Not Helping Timberwolves Woo Kevin Durant

The good news about today’s ending to this latest KD trade saga is that, whether he likes it or not, Tim Connelly can now start up the Timberwolves’ offseason motor and get this boat heading in the right direction, even if Finchy is already half-burnt and ready to go back to shore, where a Julius Randle extension is waiting for them.

Related: 5 Players that Fit Minnesota Timberwolves Perfectly at NBA Trade Deadline

In a tough loss against the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday night, Doug McDermott emerged as a key player, sinking crucial three-pointers to seal the win. According to Darren Wolfson (KSTP) on the Mackey and Judd Show (SKOR North), McDermott is a player the Wolves have their eye on, despite the significant value of his contract.

Timberwolves interested in McDermott, Hayward, possibly others

McDermott’s contract could make him difficult to trade, though, which would make Dougy McBuckets another buyout option on what could be a rather big name post-trade deadline market. A market that Doogie says could also include Charlotte Bobcats wing, Gordon Hayward.

“I was told by somebody the other day that [the Timberwolves] really like Doug McDermott of the San Antonio Spurs.”

“That’s what the Wolves are looking for, is three-point shooting, as much as anything. Now, he makes a good amount of money, $13.7 million, so that might be a buyout situation. Remember, there are teams, you know, first apron, that can’t sign a guy like Doug McDermott if he hits the buyout market. Now, Gordon Hayward, that’s another guy who I’m told the Wolves like… hey, why wouldn’t they, right? Like, if Gordon Hayward hits the buyout market, every team that can sign him will make the phone call.

Darren Wolfson – Mackey & Judd (SKOR North)

Wolfson also mentions Luke Kennard from the Grizzlies, Monte Morris from the Pistons, and Royce O’Neale as potential targets. Wolfson also highlights Jordan McLaughlin, indicating that the Timberwolves highly value him, which may affect their pursuit of a backup point guard. Ultimately, shooting remains the primary focus for the Timberwolves.

Related: NBA Insider Reveals Kevin Garnett Could Join Minnesota Timberwolves After Glen Taylor Sale

“There are others like Luke Kennard of Memphis, Monte Morris, but I don’t think they’re married like a lot of people feel like they’re married to this idea that the Wolves need to bring in a backup point guard. They value Jordan McLaughlin, heck, he had a really good game last night. It’s not necessarily a point guard. Could it be a point guard? Sure. But more than anything, I’m led to believe they are looking for shooting. Now, Monty Morris can shoot, so yeah, do I think he’s on their radar? Yes. But it could also be somebody with a little bit more size, whether it’s an O’Neal or a McDermott.”

Darren Wolfson – Mackey & Judd (SKOR North)

We’ve been hearing a lot of these names for a few weeks now, and it seems highly likely that the Timberwolves will be actively pursuing these players. Now, what would it require for the Timberwolves to acquire another piece? According to an ESPN report and Wolfson, it won’t be anything too extravagant.

What would the Timberwolves need to offer in exchange for a return? Judd posed the question to Wolfson, inquiring about potential assets if the Wolves were to acquire McDermott. Wolfson indicated that if McDermott were the target, it would likely result in a buyout.

After watching him beat them up last night, Doogie is confident that Connelly & Co would love to have McDermott on their bench, reinterring again, “Doug McDermott would be one name I would keep an eye on.”

Who/What are Minnesota Timberwolves looking to deal?

Kyle Anderson could be a guy that the Wolves are forced to move, if they really covet someone and need to move a valuable trade asset to get it done. But Finch loves Anderson and what he brings to the team both on and off the floor so moving him is unlikely. Shake Milton, however, seems as good as gone.

“Like, you’re moving Shake Milton. I mean, we saw it last night, right? Out of the rotation yet again. Like, trust me, Shake Milton is absolutely available. I think deep down he would welcome a change of scenery.”

Darren Wolfson – Mackey & Judd (SKOR North)

Related: Timberwolves Showing Interest in Malcolm Brogdon

Wolfson also suggests that teams may consider G League prospects like Wendell Moore Jr. and their 2nd round pick from the Memphis or Washington as potential trade chips that other teams will find valuable. If needed, they could seriously consider trading Josh Minott or Leonard Miller, too.

Brian Windhorst, a well known ESPN NBA insider released who could be traded from each team. The two available names for the Timberwolves? Troy Brown Jr. and Shake Milton. ClutchPoints says Kyle Anderson is more likely to be moved than Wolfson believes.

“The Wolves could use an extra guard, but they have no tradable first-round picks and are facing a salary squeeze this summer. Milton and Brown, free agent signings last summer, don’t have much of a market, and the Wolves are likely to stand pat. Minnesota may be more involved in the buyout market with an open roster spot and about $2 million in room below tax.”

Brian Windhorst – ESPN

Windhorst additionally suggests that the Wolves might find the buyout market intriguing and could explore it if a significant name becomes available. In any case, with the trade deadline looming just a week away, it’s highly likely that the Timberwolves will make a move to boost their roster for the playoffs.

According to Shams (The Athletic), PoBO Tim Connelly is nearing agreement on a three-team blockbuster trade that will send D’Angelo Russell to the LA Lakers, Russell Westbrook and a 1st round pick to the Utah Jazz and Mike Conley Jr. to the Wolves.

The Lakers, Jazz and Timberwolves are in discussions on a three-team deal that would send D’Angelo Russell to the Lakers, Russell Westbrook and draft compensation such as a first-round pick to Utah and Mike Conley Jr. to Minnesota, sources tell me and @Tjonesonthenba.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 8, 2023

**Update: The trade is currently being finalized (per Woj). It includes three future 2nd round picks and Nickeil Alexander-Walker back to the Wolves, along with Mike Conley Jr.

Mike Conley Jr vs D’Angelo Russell

Mike Conley Jr has one partially guaranteed season remaining on his contract after the 2022-23 season. Swapping DLo’s expiring contract out for Conley’s allows the Wolves one extra year to kick the can down the road on their 4th max salary slot and should fit in really well with Rudy Gobert, after their two seasons together in Utah.

If the Wolves do climb the Wester Conference ladder with this trade, it will cost Utah spots in next year’s 1st round, since they own the Wolves 1st round pick. Grabbing that additional 1st from the Lakers probably makes up for that concern on their end.

Mike Conley Jr isn’t playing better than D’Angelo Russell, in recent months. But he should give the Minnesota Timberwolves a trusty veteran point guard who brings consistency to the lineup night in and night out, along with 73 games of playoff experience over the course of his 15-year career.

More Players Will Be Involved

The Three players mentioned in Shams’ original tweet won’t be the only players moving in this deal. We do not know where they will land yet but former Timberwolves, Malik Beasley and Jarred Vanderbilt are expected to be on the move, as well. According to Woj, the Wolves haul will include picks but no additional players (for now)

Ongoing discussions have included Utah’s Malik Beasley and Jarred Vanderbilt as part of the potential three-team deal to the Lakers, sources said. Sides are working through pick protections and additional draft compensation too, per sources. https://t.co/DoI0EBOBVq

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 8, 2023

Three-way talks with Lakers, Jazz and Timberwolves would potentially land D’Angelo Russell and Malik Beasley with LA, Mike Conley, Jr., and picks with Timberwolves and Russell Westbrook and picks with Jazz, per sources. Jazz remain engaged elsewhere on Conley Jr., too.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 8, 2023

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

What did catch many off guard, however, was the price Minnesota was willing to pay for Gobert. New President of Basketball Operations, Tim Connelly, sent FIVE 1st round picks (including Kessler) and a 1st round pick swap in 2026, in return for another All-Star caliber big man who has already hit 30-years-old. For many, that was seen as an overpay.

ESPN NBA Experts Critical of Gobert Trade

This sentiment was all over Twitter on Friday evening but ESPN’s Zach Lowe and Bobby Marks really showed off their shock (and disappointment) on “NBA Today”, immediately following the trade announcement.

Zach Lowe is in disbelief at how many draft picks the Timberwolves sent out for Rudy Gobert.

Then, Malika Andrews takes a hilarious swipe at Bobby Marks ????pic.twitter.com/1zIoOaQb3L

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) July 1, 2022

“I am in disbelief at the amount of draft picks the Minnesota Timberwolves traded for Rudy Gobert. Disbelief. He is a Hall of Famer. He’s 30, he has four years left on a gigantic contract. And we have seen in the playoffs, his defense is not been the issue. It’s that he can’t do anything on offense when teams go small against you.” – Zach Lowe (ESPN)

“You get one shot at this, if you’re Minnesota. You get one shot to trade picks or use cap space to get a 3rd guy to put next to Edwards and Towns. I’m in shock that they decided this was going to be their shot. FIVE picks and a swap for Gobert. You can tell me they kept Jaden McDaniels. That’s great, I hope you keep Jaden McDaniels if you’re giving up FIVE picks and a swap.” – Zach Lowe (ESPN)

I don’t think this is a top-4 team in the Western Conference. Can it get there? I mean, this Western Conference is a bear. I applaud Tim Connelly’s aggressiveness. He sees a window to take advantage of. But, the question, is Rudy Gobert the right guy for Karl-Anthony Towns, as far as building it out? Because now you have nothing left except Towns, Gobert and Anthony Edwards. – Bobby Marks (ESPN)

What Gives?

It’s been reported out of Utah that the Timberwolves were forced to send more draft capital than what would normally have been required because the Jazz “badly wanted Jaden McDaniels” included in the deal and Connelly refused.

In other words, the Wolves were intent on landing Gobert and keeping McDaniels. Consequently, they had to give up additional draft picks to get it done. Only time will tell on whether or not that decision, along with trading for Gobert, will be worth it.

pic.twitter.com/Bf2uV0VgdQ

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) July 1, 2022

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

The Minnesota Timberwolves won the draft lottery, securing the number one overall pick in this upcoming draft. It appears likely that Gersson Rosas will be doing everything he can to land a superstar for that pick, but it’s not that simple.

As we have all heard many times this offseason, the upcoming draft doesn’t have that “number one” guy, like Zion Williamson. Of course, that makes the pick less valuable because the top three or four picks are all similar talents. It’s unlikely anyone gives up a guy like Booker or Simmons, for a package centered around the Wolves’ #1 pick, so Rosas will have to get creative. Luckily, he has shown he can do that.

Last trade deadline, Rosas made a ton of moves that were overshadowed by the D’Angelo Russell acquisition. Here is a list of everyone that went in and out of the Minnesota Timberwolves roster.

Somehow, Rosas managed to get rid of the robust franchise anchors that were Andrew Wiggins’ ($29.5 million through 2023) and Gorgui Dieng’s ($16.5 million through 2021) salaries. Both seemed impossible to move out, for the longest time. 

Here is an example of just one realistic “outside the box” idea, that Rosas could use to complete his quest for a third superstar. Here is a look at the current draft order for 2020.

First: Trade down and acquire assets

The #NBADraftLottery order is complete ?

The @Timberwolves have the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft! pic.twitter.com/J3B5tpekRS

— NBA TV (@NBATV) August 21, 2020

Example: Timberwolves trade the #1 pick to the Knicks for the #8 pick and their 2021 first.

Now the Timberwolves take someone at 8 and they have an excellent first round pick next year. Here’s where it gets a bit complicated. The Wolves now own the #8 pick, an almost guaranteed top 5 pick in 2021 along with their current assets. 

Perhaps now you can start looking for that third guy to pair with Towns and Russel. Do the Suns accept this trade?

Devin Booker for the #8 pick in 2020, the Knicks 2021 pick (likely top-5), Jarrett Culver, James Johnson, and Omari Spellman. 

Of course someone like Ben Simmons or Bradley Beal could be involved in the same type of package. 

I don’t think the Minnesota Timberwolves are going to acquire their third superstar with the assets they currently hold. Rosas might have to orchestrate one or two trades before going all in on Booker/Simmons/Beal/(whoever you keep getting mad at me for forgetting about). It can be done, but it won’t be easy.

Maybe I’m wrong and Booker pulls a Jimmy Butler act to get out of Phoenix immediately, but that seems unlikely right now. 

Towns and Russell will need that third guy if the Wolves really want to make some noise in the west. Maybe it doesn’t happen as soon as we’d like, but you can bet Rosas will do everything he can to seal a deal.

——————————————————————– Let me know what you think either via email or on Twitter. Thanks!

Cooper Carlson | Minnesota Sports Fan

ESPN Sources: 4-team trade agreement: Houston: Robert Covington; Atlanta: Clint Capela and Nene; Minnesota: Malik Beasley, Juancho Hernangomez, Evan Turner, ATL 1st round pick via Nets; Denver: Gerald Green, Houston FRP.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 5, 2020

Deal is agreed upon, and players are being informed now. https://t.co/Zmy0yYsckE

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 5, 2020

Minnesota’s Keita Bates-Diop is going to Denver in deal, source tells ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 5, 2020

Holy shit! We just cannot catch a break (or any sleep) tonight… Here I was, thinking I was about to watch eyelids, when another Woj Bomb drops from 10,000 feet…. actually, it was more like a carpet bomb that just kept on getting longer

Sure, this deal was getting to the point of certainty, but to see it actually go down still feels a bit shocking, especially with the way the deal broke in bits and pieces. Do we need to be ready for D-Lo to be on his way to Minnesota before the night is over still?

More players in the deal: Denver’s Jarred Vanderbilt is on his way to Minnesota, league sources tell ESPN. Jordan Bell to Houston.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 5, 2020

Minnesota’s Noah Vonleh goes to the Nuggets, per source.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 5, 2020

According to Woj just now on ESPN, the Wolves are out on Russell. He said there are still a couple of days before Thursday’s deadline for that to change… but he actually said we are out for now.

I’m sure they wanted Covington somehow, but it’s still surprising to hear the Wolves are totally out now on D-Lo. I feel like we added to the package we can offer a TANKING Golden State team. We now have another 1st round pick and more filler..

Speaking of Filler:

• Malik Beasley
• Juan Hernangomez
• Evan Turner
• Jarred Vanderbilt
• ATL (From BKN) 2020 1st Round Pick

The Wolves have taken on a bunch of young hot garbage, from everything we’ve heard so far… and given up a lot of their own young pieces. It’s a bold strategy, Cotton. All of the acquisitions have been youngsters with cheap contracts or Evan Turner, who falls off the books after this season.

The 1st round pick is what the Wolves coveted, obviously. The Wolves draft pick compensation in this trade comes from Atlanta, but is actually the Brooklyn Nets’ 1st round pick for 2020 .

Right now, the Nets are clinging to a playoff birth in the shallow Eastern Conference with a record of 22-27. We’ll see how long the Wolves keep that pick. They could trade it tomorrow or wait all the way until the night of the draft..

So, to recap all of this craziness (so far) as we hit midnight:

Plus the Brooklyn first-rounder, which cannot suit up against Atlanta tomorrow night. Massive overhaul for Wolves.

— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) February 5, 2020

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

There’s not much to say. It all happened so fast and I’m tired, you’re tired… It’s been a long weekend so I’ll just let the tweets do the work while I get the clicks. Thanks 2019.

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Sources: Golden State and Brooklyn are close to a D'Angelo Russell sign-and-trade deal to the Warriors.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2019

Warriors are on verge of acquiring Russell, Treveon Graham and Shabazz Napier from Brooklyn, league sources said. https://t.co/4HefUBSNQA

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2019

Golden State and Brooklyn have agreed on a sign-and-trade, sending D’Angelo Russell to the Warriors on a four-year, $117M maximum contract, league sources tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2019

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I’m glad that my hope had just again begun to glimmer, unlike a lot of Timberwolves Twitter, which is currently in meltdown mode. Anyway, I’ll be back with a full half-night’s rest and some time to think this over…

the morning will still rise…. i think.

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Any good takers for KAT? Might as well trade him and build around Wiggins for all I fucking care

— Seth Toupal (@sethtoups) July 1, 2019

At least now we can stop talking about Kirk Cousins contract, and start talking about Andrew Wiggins’. His contract DID cost us a chance to get better today.

— brian heintz (@b_heintzz) July 1, 2019

#LosesoWisemanisonthehorizon

While #Twolves led league folks to believe there was a viable path to carving out space for Russell, it wasn't meant to be. Was always going to be challenging. Don't think Rosas will stop chasing a 2nd star. But this is a tough L.

— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) July 1, 2019

And you couldn't move Teague!? https://t.co/9fuc33eY5j

— Travis Lyle Czech (@TravLyleCzech) July 1, 2019

Have they set the date for the #NBADraftLottery2020 yet?

— Zach Johnson (@ZachJohnsonGI) July 1, 2019

Hey @Timberwolves fans, at least the #MNTwins are good? ??‍♂️

— Ted (@tlschwerz) July 1, 2019

Next Woj bomb: “Karl Anthony Towns has requested a trade” https://t.co/I5x9OcMVnm

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) July 1, 2019

#TWolves twitter rn pic.twitter.com/af2plrxpxc

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) July 1, 2019

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Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

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