The Minnesota Timberwolves are in the midst of what could ultimately amount to a last hurrah. Minnesota has salvaged its season with a dominant run, going 14-4 since Mar. 1 and seemingly taking significant steps toward contending.
Unfortunately, the Timberwolves' salary cap situation could result in this remarkable string of results being the last of its kind for this specific group.
Minnesota will enter the 2024 offseason facing the potential loss of Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Julius Randle, and Naz Reid. All three are eligible for unrestricted free agency, thus calling the future of the current core into question. Thankfully, a potential offseason target could help soften the potential blow.
In an appearance on YES Network, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype revealed that the Timberwolves previously expressed interest in Cameron Johnson—thus, perhaps inadvertently, beckoning the question of renewed interest.
.@MikeAScotto joins @Meghan_Triplett to discuss news around the NBA and potential Cam Johnson trade interest. pic.twitter.com/66qKwCllNG
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) April 9, 2025
For those who can't see the video, Scotto said the following during the YES Network broadcast:
"Cam Johnson had a lot of interest at the trade deadline. Some other teams that I don't think were mentioned but I'd heard had checked in were the San Antonio Spurs...the Minnesota Timberwolves, as well."
It remains unclear what it would take to acquire Johnson, but the Timberwolves may ultimately lose one of the aforementioned players in the process.
Timberwolves eyed Cameron Johnson—could they do so again?
The Timberwolves' priority for the 2025 NBA offseason appears clear: Acquire more shooting. It's a rational goal considering Minnesota is one of the best three-point shooting teams in the Association, but may lose three of its most productive players.
Alexander-Walker, Randle, and Reid are averaging a combined 5.4 three-point field goals made per game and 7.1 conversions per 36 minutes.
Johnson would certainly help fill the void, perhaps even offering an upgrade. He's widely regarded as one of the best shooters in the NBA, boasting a career average of 2.3 three-point field goals made on 39.2 percent shooting from beyond the arc.
In 2024-25, Johnson has raised his game to average 18.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 0.9 steals, and 2.8 three-point field goals made on .475/.390/.893 shooting.
By acquiring Johnson, the Timberwolves would be bringing in a player who's capable of swinging the momentum of a game without needing the ball in their hands. That's an invaluable skill that one could argue has been missing from the current rotation.
The question mark, however, is what Brooklyn could be asking for—and how Minnesota plans to match Johnson's $20,543,478 salary in a potential trade.
A possible move could see Randle accepting his player option and instantly becoming a candidate to center a deal around. He'd have an expiring salary of $30,935,520 in that scenario, which Brooklyn could match with additional salaries and thus give itself a chance to compete for the playoffs while their incoming rookies gain reps.
That's merely speculation at this point, but if the Timberwolves' interest in Johnson is a sign of things to come, then the offseason could result in a significant roster shakeup.