The Minnesota Timberwolves have the 17th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and should target Nique Clifford to help them immediately. The 6’5 wing played five years of college basketball, but profiles as a strong 3-and-D wing ready to help a contender immediately. The Wolves are in the hunt but may have unexpected holes to fill this offseason. Anthony Edwards makes Minnesota a serious threat, but the franchise must keep putting talent around him.
The Timberwolves need cost-controlled contracts as their spending rises. They have three rookies on their current roster, but have gotten almost no production from them in the playoffs. Minnesota plans to win in 2026 and beyond, which means getting capable rotation pieces in the draft to keep their salary cap sheet in check.
The Wolves should target a wing who is ready to knockdown open jumpers and defend immediately. Clifford is the top option with upside to continue rounding out his game.
Timberwolves should select Nique Clifford in the 2025 NBA Draft
The 23-year-old wing shot 37.7 percent from 3-point range over his two seasons at Colorado State on nearly four attempts per game. He is a strong rebounder with a high basketball IQ. Clifford should be in the rotation immediately and has the upside to grow into a Khris Middleton-type option if everything breaks right.
Clifford’s gains in his playmaking and scoring have boosted him into the mid-first round conversation. Getting a 6’5 wing capable of excelling on both ends of the floor is enticing, especially for a contending team with an established roster.
Julius Randle, Naz Reid, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker could all be free agents this summer. Minnesota would have to significantly exceed the second tax apron to keep them all. A cost-cutting move is coming. The easiest would be letting NAW walk and replacing his production with their young talent on rookie deals.
Clifford and Terrance Shannon Jr. likely battle for that role with the 2025 prospect profiling as a better shooter and more polished defender. The Timberwolves want to win now. They need production next season, which could immediately give Clifford a 20-minute per game role to prove himself.
The Minnesota Timberwolves could select someone who is three years away from producing with immense upside, but that would not be ideal. They need production now, and Nique Clifford is ready to offer it. Make the right call and let him play. The Wolves must develop talent around Anthony Edwards, and the perfect 3-and-D wing will be sitting right there in this draft. All Minnesota has to do is make the pick.