The Minnesota Timberwolves are currently locked into an incredibly wild seeding battle in the Western Conference. With a week to go in the regular season, four teams from seeds five through eight all have the same record of 46-32. The Wolves are currently tied with the LA Clippers, Golden State Warriors and Memphis Grizzlies, and there is no telling how the final standings will end up looking.
But regardless of what happens in the playoffs, Minnesota is going to have some difficult decisions to make in the coming offseason. Chris Finch obviously has an incredibly talented roster, with some players (like Nickeil Alexander-Walker) that are playing far above their pay grade. With that in mind, the roster decisions and contract offers that the front office will be working on making this summer will be of massive importance as this team continues to build.
Of course, one of the most discussed topics around this team has been the fit of Julius Randle and where he should be lining up in the Timberwolves' long-term plans. With Randle's play improving throughout the season, the conversation concerning him has certainly shifted from where it was back in October or November. But it is relatively clear that Minnesota wants to bring back both their big men next season if they can.
Minnesota could pay Reid more than Randle
According to ESPN's Tim Bontemps, it is expected that both Reid and Randle will still be in the Wolves' locker room by the start of next season. Bontemps writes: The general belief from sources around the league on both Reid and Randle is that they'll be back in Minnesota next season, though what form that takes is unclear. Both could potentially opt into their contracts and extend or opt out and sign new deals.
So what is one way the Timberwolves could achieve this outcome? It would be a bit of a shock, but perhaps by getting Reid to re-sign on a more lucrative deal that they get Randle for. The thinking here being that Minnesota could convince Julius to stay for less given their status as a contender and the fact that they probably value him more than most other teams in the league right now.
Julius has certainly earned another sizeable deal with how his play has progressed as this season has gone on. But with the Wolves' needs and with how highly they value Naz, it would maybe not be the craziest suggestion to think they could end up breaking the bank for Reid and trying to get Randle back at a discount.