3 Timberwolves who earned untouchable status, 2 who could be cut loose

This past season, several players in Minnesota cemented their role for the future, while others became more expendable.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Minnesota Timberwolves
Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Minnesota Timberwolves / Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
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Could be cut loose: Monte Morris

Of course, President of Basketball Operations Tim Connelly made a significant improvement to the Timberwolves' frontcourt by adding Gobert, but he has also upgraded their backcourt in a big way as well, particularly at the point guard position. Heading into the 2022-23 season, D'Angelo Russell was still acting as the team's starting floor general, and he was in the final year of his contract.

Minnesota was going to have to be diligent to ensure D'Lo did not walk for nothing. So when they ended up trading for Mike Conley at the 2023 trade deadline, it was a dream come true. Russell was shipped out, and the Wolves got a much more experienced and mature point guard to lead the way in his place. There was, however, still the issue of Conley being a bit up there in age. A backup of some sort was needed.

Enter Monte Morris, who Minnesota picked up via a trade from the Pistons just a few months ago at the 2024 deadline. A veteran who has played on multiple playoff teams in the past, Monte provided some solid minutes in short spurts. But as the Timberwolves look to level up this summer, they will likely be able to get more of a needle-mover than Morris for a backup point guard next season.