Full Breakdown
Timberwolves President Tim Connelly Outlines Offseason Blueprint After Playoff Exit
5/21/2026, 2:02:37 AM
Season-End Assessment
Tim Connelly, the Timberwolves’ president of basketball operations, said the team’s sixth-place finish in the Western Conference and the second-round loss to the San Antonio Spurs “were not good enough.” He added that “everything’s on the table.”
Recent Playoff History
Minnesota has been eliminated in three consecutive postseasons: by the Dallas Mavericks in the 2024 Western Conference Finals, by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2025 conference finals, and by the Spurs in the 2026 second round.
Roster Overview
The core includes Anthony Edwards, Ayo Dosunmu, Jaden McDaniels and Naz Reid. The “sub-26” group of 12 players ages 19-26 features Joan Beringer (19), Rocco Zikarsky (19), Julian Phillips (22), Jaylen Clark (24), Bones Hyland (25), Terrence Shannon Jr. (25), Enrique Freeman (25), Zyon Pullin (25) and Naz Reid (26). Rudy Gobert (33) and Julius Randle (31) remain under contract, and Donte DiVincenzo (29) is out with an Achilles injury. Minnesota holds the 28th overall first-round pick and the 59th overall second-round pick in the 2026 draft.
Official Statements & Responses
Connelly emphasized confidence in the roster but warned that “it would be disingenuous to say we’re happy with the sixth seed.” He called for added “positional versatility” and “size on the perimeter,” and signaled willingness to trade contracts, noting that moving Gobert and Randle would free cap space for Dosunmu and additional wings.
Why It Matters
The Spurs and Thunder, now the Western Conference finalists, set the benchmark the Wolves must meet. Salary-cap constraints, especially the “second apron,” limit aggressive spending, making roster flexibility and internal development essential for competitiveness.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We finished sixth in the West again, and it didn't end the way we wanted, so I think everything's on the table.” — Tim Connelly, President of Basketball Operations
- “We have a lot of confidence in our guys, but it would be disingenuous to sit in front of this group and say we're happy with the sixth seed, we're happy with not being a home-court playoff team, we're happy that our last three closeout games have been lopsided,” — Tim Connelly, President of Basketball Operations
- “We’re pretty aware of the guys that can not just help him but also protect him, and those skill sets are something we look forward to adding more of this summer.” — Tim Connelly, President of Basketball Operations
- “Ayo’s our most important free agent.” — Tim Connelly, President of Basketball Operations
What’s Next
The Wolves will prioritize re-signing Dosunmu, consider trade options for Gobert and Randle, and target guards or wings in free agency. Development of Beringer, Zikarsky and McDaniels will be monitored, while the 2026 draft picks are expected to reinforce the sub-26 core.
