Timberwolves president of basketball operations Tim Connelly said Tuesday that Minnesota will pursue an aggressive offseason strategy after finishing the 2025/26 campaign as the Western Conference’s No. 6 seed and falling in the second round of the playoffs.
“It would be disingenuous to say we’re happy with the sixth seed,” Connelly told reporters at his end-of-season press conference. “We have to be realistic about what we have, which is way more good than bad, but we know that we’re not good enough right now.”
Consistency a Key Focus
Forward Naz Reid cited “moodiness” during his exit interview, and Connelly echoed the need for steadier focus. “There are too many nights when we were not as locked in as we should be, and that’s unacceptable, plain and simple,” he said.
Ready to Take Risks
Known for bold trades—most notably the blockbuster deal for Rudy Gobert in 2024—Connelly said the front office “won’t be afraid to mess up loudly.” He added, “I’d rather get fired for trying than sit here and just do the job in survival mode.”
Finch Earns Praise
Connelly lauded head coach Chris Finch for his postseason work, particularly during the first-round series against Denver. “It’s not an easy job,” Connelly said. “We’re not here without Finchy.”
Roster Priorities
- Ayo Dosunmu: Re-signing the unrestricted free-agent guard tops the team’s to-do list. “Ayo’s our most important free agent,” Connelly said. “We love him. I think his best basketball is in front of him.”
- Shooting Help: With Donte DiVincenzo expected to miss most or all of next season after an Achilles tear, Connelly acknowledged the need for additional perimeter shooting. “We think he’s going to be back; we just don’t know when,” he noted.
- Joan Beringer: The 2025 first-round pick is viewed as a future multi-position defender. “His future is unbelievably bright,” Connelly said, adding that both coaches and teammates “believe in him.”
Future in Minnesota
Reports earlier this spring linked Connelly to Dallas, but he expressed no interest in leaving. “I go to work happy every day,” he said. “At some point, we want to have this press conference after a championship parade.”
The Timberwolves enter the summer searching for consistency, shooting, and a deeper playoff run—goals Connelly insists the franchise will chase without hesitation.
Source: Hoops Rumors
