Wolves consider sweeping roster changes after turbulent season
wolves-offseason-changes-2026
The Minnesota Timberwolves enter the summer weighing significant moves after a season derailed by a late coaching gamble and locker-room tension.
Finch’s preseason lineup switch backfires
Head coach Chris Finch revealed during the team’s end-of-season press conference that shifting Anthony Edwards to primary ball-handler and inserting Donte DiVincenzo for veteran point guard Mike Conley “on the eve of the season” was an “original sin” the club never overcame. Conley struggled through the worst campaign of his career before being traded in February and later re-signing, while Edwards’ expanded playmaking load hurt both his defense and his on-court chemistry with forward Julius Randle, according to The Minnesota Star-Tribune.
Mood swings, chemistry concerns
Players told reporters that the absence of an experienced floor general often left teammates frustrated about shot distribution, even during wins. Finch cited “better connectivity” as a primary offseason goal, and center Naz Reid said the Timberwolves must rediscover the consistent edge displayed by Western Conference powers Oklahoma City and San Antonio. “You can’t get anywhere if you’re fighting yourself,” Reid noted.
Frontcourt overhaul on the table
Team president Tim Connelly, who kept the core intact after last spring’s conference-final run, is expected to pursue substantial trades, The Athletic reported. Minnesota contacted Milwaukee about Giannis Antetokounmpo before February’s deadline, and talks are likely to resume. Speculation surrounding those discussions reportedly affected the locker room, particularly Randle.
Any shake-up is projected to focus on the front line, where Rudy Gobert ($36.5 million), Randle ($33 million) and Reid ($23.3 million) are owed nearly $95 million combined for 2026-27. Rookie center Joan Beringer impressed in limited minutes, and the organization wants to expand his role.
Injuries and contract priorities
Reid played through a shoulder issue suffered around the All-Star break, saying, “There were times I couldn’t even shoot the ball, for real.”
Re-signing guard Ayo Dosunmu, acquired from Chicago at the trade deadline, is considered a priority. The club holds his Bird rights and can extend him for three years and $52.4 million through June 30, but would need to clear at least $58.5 million to avoid a second-apron hard cap. Edwards is also extension-eligible, though he is expected to wait; securing an All-NBA berth in 2027 could position him for roughly $300 million over four years.
Source: Hoops Rumors
