How much better will the Minnesota Timberwolves be this year?
By Travis Rose
Karl-Anthony Towns said it best in his contract extension press conference: next season is a championship or bust year for the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Karl-Anthony Towns at his contract extension press conference today continually hammered how it's time to win. KAT says it's "championship or bust" time in Minnesota.
— Dane Moore (@DaneMooreNBA) July 22, 2022
The Timberwolves drove into the offseason with questions at the point guard position, improving defensively, and adding another reliable rotational player.
So far, trade rumors surrounding point guard D’Angelo Russell have dwindled. With one year remaining on his contract, Russell may not be offered an extension from the Timberwolves.
He struggled in the playoffs last season, and Minnesota may have been a little underwhelmed with his performance averaging 12.0 PPG, 2.5 RPG, and 2.8 turnovers while shooting 33.3% from the floor in the postseason.
However, there is optimism the Timberwolves could retain him if they can not find any suitable trade offers.
Last season, D’Angelo Russell frequently defended stretch 4s, often surrounded by 3 quality point of attack defenders + Karl-Anthony Towns.
— Timberwolves Clips (@WolvesClips) July 26, 2022
With Rudy Gobert + KAT in the frontcourt, D’Lo will be asked to defend on the perimeter more often in 2022-23.pic.twitter.com/RMdKkJzp6K