Shortly after extending Julius Randle, the Minnesota Timberwolves declined team options for Josh Minott and Luka Garza. In doing so, the Wolves gained access to the $5.7 million taxpayer mid-level exception. This offers the Wolves some financial flexibility heading into free agency. Notably, with 13 players on the roster, the Wolves need to make at least one move. Let’s dive into some of the Wolves' options.
Updated Minnesota (this is just a projection)
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) June 29, 2025
* Minnesota has access to the $5.7M tax ML however....
* Using it hard caps them at the 2nd apron
* After a 14th player is signed, they would be a projected $173K below.
As we saw with Dallas this season, probably not the way to… pic.twitter.com/wm3395khs9
The Timberwolves could look to re-sign NAW
One clear possibility is that the Wolves make an aggressive push to re-sign Nickeil Alexander-Walker. However, doing so would likely put the Wolves deep into the second apron unless NAW turns down significant money elsewhere. Alexander-Walker is one of the most impactful role players, so the Wolves might determine that it’s worth the price to retain him and possibly explore shedding salary later.
Still, being a second apron team for two consecutive years is daunting. The Wolves could also be championship contenders without NAW. Overall, it remains likely that Alexander-Walker will leave in free agency, but having a bit more cap space opens up the possibility of re-signing him.
Other options of the Wolves
The Wolves could look to sign Spencer Dinwiddie, Malcolm Brogdon, or Tyus Jones to bolster their guard depth. If the Wolves want to upgrade their wing depth, Jake LaRavia, Gary Trent Jr, or Nicolas Batum could be interesting fits. However, if the Wolves sign a player using the taxpayer mid-level exception, it would hard cap the Wolves at the second apron.
Handicapping yourself at the second apron isn't ideal for a player who likely wouldn't move the needle for the Wolves' title chances. If Minnesota wants to sign a free agent, they should do so on a minimum deal. It’s possible that one of the names listed could be signed on a minimum. Alternatively, the Wolves could look elsewhere to round out their roster.
The Wolves could bring back Minott and/or Garza if they don’t like their options in free agency. Minott is a defensive-minded wing who could be a solid depth piece and still has solid upside at 22. Garza is a gifted offensive big man who struggles to defend but is still a solid depth piece. Given that it’s likely Alexander-Walker will leave and that the Wolves just drafted two centers, they would be more inclined to bring back Minott.
Ultimately, while having the taxpayer mid-level exception seems like it could lead to a big move, the possibility of being hard-capped at the second apron makes the Wolves less likely to use it. As the Wolves look to round out their roster in free agency, re-signing Alexander-Walker or signing players to minimum deals are the most likely possibilities.