For the second consecutive year, the Minnesota Timberwolves lost in the Western Conference Finals in five games. While the Wolves are undoubtedly trending in the right direction, they are also poised for some roster changes this offseason. With three key free agents and one of the highest payrolls in the league, it will be challenging for the Wolves to retain all of their free agents. Let's dive into three players who might not be back in Minnesota next season.
1. Nickeil Alexander-Walker
Nickeil Alexander-Walker has been a vital role player for the Wolves over the past few seasons. He makes a well-rounded impact as a versatile on-ball stopper, spot-up shooter, secondary creator and playmaker. However, the Wolves will likely prioritize re-singing Julius Randle and Naz Reid, making Alexander-Walker the odd one out.
Alexander-Walker made just $4.3 million last year and will likely seek a bigger contract. He'll have plenty of suitors around the league, especially after his stellar Western Conference Final series. It will be difficult for the Wolves to re-sign him, and it feels likely that they'll be priced out. Having a natural replacement for Alexander-Walker in Terrence Shannon Jr. furthers the probability that NAW finds a new home this summer.
2. Joe Ingles
Alexander-Walker, Reid, and Randle are the Wolves' most notable likely free agents. However, Joe Ingles is one of the Wolves less-discussed free agents. The veteran forward didn't play much with the Wolves. Ingles received six minutes per game across 19 total games in the regular season, averaging just 0.8 points, and didn't play a minute in the playoffs.
It might be worth keeping Ingles around as a depth piece and veteran presence. Nevertheless, at 37 it feels highly likely that he'll retire. While he didn't contribute much for the Wolves, Ingles had a successful 11-year career and was one of the league's best role players in the late 2010s.
3. Naz Reid
The Wolves will undoubtedly try to re-sign Reid, who has a $15 million player option. However, the superb sixth man has openly stated that he sees himself as a starter, hinting at the possibility that he'll seek another opportunity this summer. Minnesota's financial situation could also hinder their ability to re-sign Reid, as it's possible another team outbids them.
The Detroit Pistons have known interest in Reid, and there will certainly be numerous suitors around the league. Reid's ability to space the floor, create shots, and playmake at his size is a rare combination. The 2023-24 Sixth Man of the Year is beloved by Timberwolves fans, but it's possible they'll lose him this offseason. Ultimately, Reid is less likely to leave than the other two players on this list, but it's still a real possibility.