Examining Wolves' Salary Cap, Decisions for 2025 NBA Free Agency after Loss to Thunder
On the heels of making the Western Conference Finals, the Minnesota Timberwolves took a bold direction for the 2024-25 season.
Fast-forward to the 2025 NBA playoffs, and the Wolves navigated that league-shaking trade of Karl-Anthony Towns reasonably well. They dipped to 49 wins in the regular season yet still returned to the West finals, where the Oklahoma City Thunder ousted the T-Wolves in five games.
Are more fireworks on the horizon this summer?
Minnesota is set to return much of its rotation around young star Anthony Edwards, but a couple of key decisions await the front office.
Salary Cap
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In the absolute best-case scenario, Minnesota already has 13 players under contract for about $192 million next season.
But that's not exactly the team's outlook.
Even if a couple of player options are declined—more in a moment—the Wolves still fall around $146 million with 11 team-controlled players. Since the projected cap is $154.6 million, they're going to far surpass the number again.
More than anything, Minnesota needs to stop short of the $207.8 million second apron to avoid the CBA penalties of another year in that territory.
Top Contract Decisions
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The direction of the Wolves' offseason is first contingent on two players.
Julius Randle ($30.9 million) and Naz Reid ($15 million) could exercise their options and stick in Minnesota for another year. The more likely scenario, however, is both of them decline the option and enter unrestricted free agency.
While the franchise may able to re-sign Randle and Reid—reportedly the "general belief" around the NBA—those contracts will be pricey.
Minnesota also has team options on Luka Garza and Josh Minott. They're not used often but should be kept because of their salaries below $2.4 million.
Free Agents to Pursue
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Although a mostly quiet postseason may have soured some fans on Nickeil Alexander-Walker, he'll be a coveted free agent. There is hardly a more coveted archetype in the league than a 3-and-D wing.
Whether the Wolves can afford him, Randle and Reid, however, is a real question—and NAW probably is the lowest priority of that group.
Plus, if both Randle and Reid are back along with exercised team options on Garza and Minott, there's a real roster jam. Minnesota would have 13 of its 15 allowed NBA contracts and could add two players in the 2025 NBA draft. Throw in the second-apron obstacle, and there's a cap crunch, too.
So, in short: Where are my minimum contract guys at?
With however many roster spots the Wolves have available—and barring any trades—they should be looking for ring-chasing veterans.
Could that be someone like Tyus Jones, Larry Nance Jr. or Gary Trent Jr.? It's also worth calling Taurean Prince and Luke Kennard, even if a more likely outcome in the minimum market isn't as inspiring.
