Examining Wolves' Salary Cap, Decisions for 2026 NBA Free Agency after Spurs Loss
After a delightfully stingy run in the 2026 NBA playoffs, the Minnesota Timberwolves are moving into the offseason.
Minnesota pulled off a first-round upset on the Denver Nuggets, battling through a pair of injuries in the process. Anthony Edwards returned in the next round, but the San Antonio Spurs bounced the Wolves in six games.
Still, it was a respectable effort from Minnesota.
Edwards and a strong majority of the core are intact for next season, although the franchise should not rule out making a significant trade to shake up the roster.
2026 Salary Cap
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The financial outlook in Minnesota is clear-cut.
All six of the Wolves' highest earners—Edwards, Rudy Gobert, Julius Randle, Jaden McDaniels, Naz Reid and Donte DiVincenzo—are under contract for next season. Edwards leads the way at $48.9 million.
Minnesota has $188.9 million committed to those six players and a few reserves, such as Joan Beringer and Terrence Shannon Jr.
The challenge staring at the Wolves is the projected $201 million luxury tax, $209 million first apron and $222 million second apron.
What's not so obvious is how Minnesota will maneuver this cap crunch.
Top Contract Decisions
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Minnesota has a $2.4 million team option on Julian Phillips, and Jaylen Clark will be a restricted free agent. We'll have answers on their futures reasonably soon, but a bigger storyline will shape this offseason.
Naz Reid and Julius Randle, in the right environment at a manageable price, can be valuable contributors to a contending team.
Is that at $23.3 million and $33.3 million, respectively?
And in Minnesota?
Tearing down the roster is not necessarily an advisable path, and moving on from Reid and Randle—let alone an injured DiVincenzo—would be bold. Finding a trade for those salaries is not uncomplicated, either. This isn't a video game.
Simultaneously, the Wolves must try to re-sign a few important players and bolster their depth. That might not happen if the entire core returns.
Free Agents to Pursue
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Because so many other things can happen, declaring "not re-signing Ayo Dosunmu would mean Minnesota failed the offseason" is a bit unfair.
Also, like, sort of true.
Acquired in a trade at the deadline, Dosunmu was a tremendous addition to the backcourt. Especially since DiVincenzo will be sidelined for much of the 2026-27 campaign, Dosunmu should be a priority to keep.
Bones Hyland and Jaylen Clark are quality backups worth retaining, but whether Minnesota frees cap space may determine that outcome.
Based on today's offseason outlook, the Wolves need a ball-handler to replace Mike Conley and perimeter shooter to fill DiVincenzo's void. One floor-spacing forward would be helpful, as well.
Jordan Goodwin could help Dosunmu and Hyland run a second unit, while CJ McCollum, Luke Kennard and Tim Hardaway Jr. are good shooters to consider. Jock Landale can offer the floor-spacing pop, and re-signing Kyle Anderson—even if not glamorous—is sensible, too.
