With the Minnesota Timberwolves now eliminated from postseason play, the focus turns to the offseason. After the way they were uncompetitive in three of their losses to the San Antonio Spurs, it’s an offseason that could see massive changes happen.
The Wolves have seven potential free agents (not including two-way players) who the team will need to decide if they want to bring back. Here are my predictions as to whether they stay in Minnesota or leave. Players are listed in alphabetical order by last name.
Kyle Anderson - Leave
It was cool seeing Slo-Mo back in a Timberwolves jersey again as they re-added him in early March after the Memphis Grizzlies waived him. His first stint with the club came during the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons.
While he was utilized quite a bit in those years, he’s a couple of years older now (turns 33 on September 20). Anderson is still a very willing passer, but he is not much of a threat to score. He remained outside the rotation for the entirety of the Spurs series and didn’t hit a single 3-pointer after coming back to Minnesota.
While it wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see Anderson come back on a minimum deal, I expect Minnesota not to re-sign him.
Jaylen Clark - Stay
Looking at last offseason, restricted free agents hung around unsigned for quite some time before all re-signing with their previous teams. Jonathan Kuminga, Quentin Grimes, Josh Giddey, and Cam Thomas all had more established track records at the time than the 24-year-old Clark.
Perhaps a team sees a future potential All-Defensive player in Clark and gives him a fairly large offer sheet that the Timberwolves don’t match. With his offensive limitations though, I don’t think it happens.
Clark stays on a fairly low salary.
Mike Conley - Stay
Turning 39 years old on October 11, Conley continues to further show his age. He isn’t going to put much pressure on a defense, although he can still knock down 3-pointers and rarely turns the ball over.
Still possessing a ton of basketball smarts, Conley’s minus-8 in the six-game series against San Antonio was actually the best mark among Minnesota’s rotational players.
Now 19 years deep into his NBA journey, Conley’s comments on Saturday hinted at making it to Year 20. Due to Finch’s affinity with the former All-Star, I believe he stays.
Ayo Dosunmu - Stay
Barring a trade in the offseason, Dosunmu is in line to start next year for the Timberwolves with Donte DiVincenzo needing most (or all) of next season to rehab his torn Achilles. That is, of course, if Dosunmu re-signs with the club.
The 26-year-old was truly awesome for Minnesota after he was acquired from the Chicago Bulls. In one of the best performances in franchise playoff history, Dosunmu went for 43 points in Game 4 of their opening round matchup against the Denver Nuggets.
Re-signing Dosunmu would likely make the Wolves once again a first-tax-apron team. For Ayo, it would be worth it. A multi-year deal keeps Ayo in Minneapolis.
Bones Hyland - Stay
The 25-year-old Hyland proved to be a phenomenal re-signing for the Wolves on a minimum deal this past season. When it happened, many wondered why they were so interested in bringing him back.
Instead, he was a vital piece off the bench all year as the speedy guard gave defenses fits from both in the lane and outside the 3-point arc. Unfortunately, Bones struggled in the playoffs and was taken out of the rotation against the Spurs.
The postseason may have affected Hyland’s ability to gain a large increase of salary on his next contract. Hyland said on Saturday that he feels like Minnesota is where he belongs. Bones returns on another minimum (or near minimum) contract.
Joe Ingles - Leave
Ingles has only appeared in 49 games (regular season and playoffs) during his two years with the Timberwolves. The 38-year-old is reportedly heading back to his native Australia to play for Melbourne United next season. Sure, he’s a great veteran leader to have, but his on-court value won't be missed much.
Julian Phillips - Stay
Acquired in the deal that also brought Dosunmu to the Wolves in February, there is a team option on Phillips for next season worth $2,406,205.
Turning 23 on November 5, Phillips barely played after coming to Minnesota. With the Timberwolves likely to be a first-apron team again, they’re going to need cheap salaries towards the end of their bench.
The Wolves will pick up Phillips’ team option for 2026-27.
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