The Minnesota Timberwolves got a makeover this offseason, in part thanks to a trade that shipped Naz Reid and a slew of draft picks to the Charlotte Hornets for LaMelo Ball and Josh Green.
In theory, the superstar backcourt tandem of franchise cornerstone Anthony Edwards and Ball makes for must-watch TV. However, in practice, how impactful will it make the Timberwolves in the arms race for the West?
There are other factors set to impact Minnesota, too, thanks to an aggressive summer from its front office. ESPN's staff of experts is looking back at the offseason and taking an early look at the 2026-27 season for all 30 teams, with 30 pieces -- one for every team -- rolling out each weekday through Sept. 18. We're answering the biggest looming questions, evaluating X factors and much more for all 30 teams.
Let's dive into the Timberwolves, who made a big move to kick off the summer:
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Offseason at a glance
Key additions: G LaMelo Ball, G Josh Green, G Isaiah Evans Key subtractions: F Julius Randle, C Naz Reid Key retentions: G Ayo Dosunmu, G Bones Hyland, G Jaylen Clark
Wolves president of basketball operations Tim Connelly continued to show his aggression, orchestrating a four-team trade with the Brooklyn Nets, Chicago Bulls and Charlotte Hornets that sent out three-time All-Star Randle and the 2023-24 Sixth Man of the Year, Reid, and a future first-round pick to bring in the talented -- but polarizing -- Ball.
That move followed Connelly inking 6-foot-4 guard Dosunmu to a five-year, $112 million extension in June, following his acquisition at the deadline.
Minnesota also re-signed wing Clark and guard Hyland and acquired the 6-foot-6 Evans out of Duke with the No. 33 pick in the draft.
Coach Chris Finch also lost his top lieutenant on the bench, Micah Nori, who left to coach the Portland Trail Blazers. -- Dave McMenamin
Zach Kram's offseason grade: C+
Last summer, the Timberwolves prioritized size, as they gave Randle and Reid new contracts and let guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker walk in free agency. But they reversed course this summer by trading away Randle and Reid, re-signing Dosunmu and bringing in Ball. That strategic shift is a big gamble, and the Timberwolves have almost no flexibility left to make further adjustments after they dealt an unprotected first-round pick and three swaps for Ball.