The year 2025 did not end on a high note for the Minnesota Timberwolves in their blowout loss to the Atlanta Hawks. While their 21-13 record is solid, more was expected coming off back-to-back conference finals appearances.
With Minnesota possessing noticeable weaknesses such as point guard play and bench production, they have obvious needs as the trade deadline is rapidly approaching. If Tim Connelly, team president of basketball operations, has taught the fanbase anything, it is to expect the unexpected with the wheeling and dealing he has done since joining the team.
Connelly has played a large role in reshaping the team
After being part of the Denver Nuggets’ front office for nearly a decade, Connelly joined the Timberwolves in May of 2022.
It took a little over a month for Connelly to make his first trade, and it was a big one. Connelly acquired three-time (now four-time) Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert in exchange for Patrick Beverley, Malik Beasley, Jarred Vanderbilt, the draft rights to Walker Kessler, four first-round picks, and the right to swap first-rounders in 2026.
It looked like a substantial overpay for Minnesota by most outside the organization, but Gobert has changed the culture on the defensive end, and they have finished in the top 10 in defensive rating every year with him in tow.
At the 2023 trade deadline, the Wolves shipped off D’Angelo Russell to the Utah Jazz. In the deal, Utah sent Mike Conley, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and three second-round picks to Minnesota. Conley was the starting point guard for both conference finals appearances. Alexander-Walker exceeded nearly everyone’s expectations and is clearly missed after signing with the Hawks in the offseason.
Probably the most surprising deal came late into the 2024 season. Franchise icon Karl-Anthony Towns was traded to the New York Knicks for Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, and a first-round pick (Joan Beringer). DiVincenzo and Randle are both starters currently for the Wolves, and Randle was re-signed by the club in the offseason.
Not easy to make a deal, but Connelly can work magic
It is not going to be easy for the Timberwolves to make a trade. Close to the second apron, they face restrictions on the type of deals they can make. Connelly has proven that he can pull the proverbial rabbit out of a hat every season he has been with the team, though.
What does Connelly have in store to improve the Timberwolves by the February 5 trade deadline? Stay tuned, and expect the unexpected.