The Minnesota Timberwolves have a lot of excitement surrounding them this season. They arguably have the league’s best backcourt in Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball. If the Timberwolves fall short of their ceiling this year, though, changes are likely to occur. Here are three Wolves players who could be in their last season with the team.
(I didn’t want to include players in their first year with the club, so Jonathan Kuminga, Trey Lyles, and Cody Williams aren’t here.)
Terrence Shannon Jr.
Terrence Shannon Jr.’s fourth-year option for 2027–28 is worth a little over $5 million. That seems inexpensive enough for Minnesota to keep him. They have been very close to the second apron, though, so they could decide to decline it (the deadline to pick it up is October 31).
Not only that, but Shannon isn't the best fit on a team where he probably won’t have enough on-ball opportunities. Chris Finch has said he wants to see Shannon have more reps with the ball, but that seems challenging with Minnesota’s starting backcourt, plus Ayo Dosunmu and Bones Hyland off the bench. That could make him a trade candidate.
In his first two seasons, Shannon has played only 75 games while averaging 5.1 points. Shannon is a talented player, but the Timberwolves aren't right team to unleash him.
Bones Hyland
In the offseason, the Timberwolves re-signed Bones Hyland to a one-year veteran’s minimum deal worth about $2.85 million. Last season, the 26-year-old played far more than anyone expected and made 38.8 percent of his 3-point attempts.
Unfortunately, he likely cost himself millions with a subpar postseason performance last season. He has yet to prove he can perform when the stakes get higher, whether it’s with the Timberwolves, Denver Nuggets, or Los Angeles Clippers. Hyland has now shot 33.6 percent from the field in 23 career postseason outings. Even with a great regular season, another disappointing playoff run would make Minnesota think long and hard about bringing him back.
Rudy Gobert
Will Rudy Gobert pick up his $38 million player option for 2027–28? He will be 35 that season, and while he probably wouldn’t earn that much annually on a new deal, the four-time Defensive Player of the Year might look for the security of a multi-year deal. It could be the last time he gets one.
If Joan Beringer develops more than nearly everyone expects in Year 2, that could also give the Timberwolves a much cheaper option to start at center. Gobert did great work against Nikola Jokic in last season’s playoffs, but he has also averaged only 7.6 points over the last two postseasons.
Gobert still raises his team’s defensive ceiling substantially and takes great care of his body, but at some point, he will have to start slowing down.
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