Minnesota Timberwolves: Five things you need to know

• Emerging superstar Anthony Edwards leads an exciting young core
• Rudy Gobert anchors one of the league's top defenses
• MLB Legend Alex Rodriguez took official ownership of the franchise in June 2025

The Minnesota Timberwolves are an NBA franchise that have risen in competitiveness since the turn of the century. Home to Kevin Garnett, Kevin Love and Anthony Edwards, the Timberwolves or “T-Wolves” have fielded contending teams throughout the 21st century. The T-Wolves have reach two consecutive Western Conference finals in 2024 and 2025.

The Timberwolves will always be part of Australian basketball history, drafting Australia's first NBA player Luc Longley in 1991.

Thirty-four years later they drafted another Australian centre Rocco Zikarsky with the 45th pick this year. He joins NBA veteran and Australian Boomers legend Joe Ingles.

2024-25 NBA Season Summary

• Record: 49-33
• Finish: 6th Seed (Lost in Western Conference Finals)
• All-Star Selections: Anthony Edwards

The Minnesota Timberwolves had an incredible 2024/25 season, booking a trip to the Western Conference finals despite qualifying as the 6th seed. Moving from long time star Karl-Anthony Towns in the offseason, the Timberwolves adopted a smaller lineup, which led to great success on the defensive side of the ball. Their top 5 defence was the highlight of the season, serving as the catalyst in overcoming the Lakers and Warriors offensive firepower in the postseason.  

Offseason Moves

Re-signing

• Joe Ingles returns on 1-year deal
• Julius Randle returns on 3-year deal
• Naz Reid returns on 5-year deal

Departures

• Nickeil Alexander-Walker departs in free agency to Hawks
• Luka Garza departs in free agency to Celtics
• Josh Minott departs in free agency to Celtics

The Timberwolves have done little work on the open market, opting to stick with the majority of players that were playing last season. Re-signing Julius Randle and Naz Reid on monster contracts was immense business given their significant contributions throughout their time in Minneapolis. The Timberwolves also re-signed Australian veteran Joe Ingles to a one-year extension, making the 2025-26 season the Aussie's 12th in the NBA.

The biggest loss for Minnesota was Nickeil Alexander Walker, who was one of the side's dominant ball handlers in their second unit. Since moving to the Timberwolves, Alexander-Walker has been a constant in the rotation, with his 43% and above percentages from the field bringing much needed stability and structure to the Timberwolves bench unit. The Timberwolves decision to part ways with the guard, may signal the franchise’s trust in the pieces they have upcoming and ready to take on the role left behind by Alexander-Walker.

The Timberwolves have a strong roster with their rotation of their bigs the highlight. Utilising Naz Reid in a hybrid role behind the likes of Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert, gives coach Finch flexibility to experiment with game plans depending on the opposition. Their first-class defence spearheaded by Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert will give the Timberwolves a great competitive advantage heading into the 2025-26 season.

2025/26 Predicted Lineup

1. Point Guard: Mike Conley
2. Shooting Guard: Anthony Edwards
3. Small Forward: Jaden McDaniels
4. Power Forward: Julius Randle
5. Centre: Rudy Gobert

Australians who have played for the Minnesota Timberwolves

Luc Longley: Born in Melbourne, Victoria, Longley was the first Australian to play in the NBA. He was selected by the Timberwolves as the seventh overall pick in the 1991 NBA Draft. Longley played for Minnesota from 1991 to 1994, appearing in 193 games and averaging 7.6 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. He later achieved significant success with the Chicago Bulls, winning three NBA championships.

Joe Ingles: Hailing from Adelaide, South Australia, Ingles signed with the Timberwolves in July 2024. Known for his sharpshooting and playmaking abilities, he brings veteran experience to the team. Prior to joining Minnesota, Ingles played for the Utah Jazz, Milwaukee Bucks, and Orlando Magic. Ingles has also been a key member of the Australian national team, contributing to their success in international competitions.

History of the Minnesota Timberwolves

The Minnesota Timberwolves were an expansion team who entered the league in 1989. For much of their history, the Timberwolves struggled to find consistent success. Their greatest era came in the early 2000s led by Kevin Garnett, when they made eight straight playoff appearances from 1997-2004, including a trip to the Western Conference Finals in 2004.

After Garnett's departure, the team endured a long playoff drought before returning to relevance in recent years. The current core led by Anthony Edwards has brought the franchise back to contender status. Their playoff runs to the Western Conference Finals in back-to-back seasons marked a new high point for the organisation.

Identity

The Timberwolves have built their identity around a core of young, athletic players led by emerging superstar Anthony Edwards. Head coach Chris Finch has implemented an up-tempo offensive system that takes advantage of the team's athleticism and shooting ability. Defensively, the Timberwolves are anchored by four-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert and All-defensive selection Jaden McDaniels, forming one of the league's stingiest units.

The team culture emphasises player development and accountability. There's a palpable energy and enthusiasm around the franchise as they've broken through to become legitimate contenders in the Western Conference. The passionate fanbase has fully embraced this exciting squad as they aim to bring championship-level success to Minnesota.

Five Fast Facts

1. The Timberwolves were founded in 1989 as an expansion team
2. The Timberwolves drafted Australia's first NBA player Luc Longley in 1991
3. The team is now owned by legendary baseball player Alex Rodriguez
4. Anthony Edwards was selected 1st overall by Minnesota in the 2020 NBA Draft
5. In 2024 and 2025, the Timberwolves reached back-to-back Western Conference Finals

Club Timeline

• 1989: Timberwolves founded as an expansion team
• 1995: Draft Kevin Garnett with 5th overall pick
• 1997: Make first playoff appearance in franchise history
• 2004: Win division title and reach Western Conference Finals
• 2007: Trade Kevin Garnett to Boston Celtics
• 2015: Select Karl-Anthony Towns 1st overall in NBA Draft
• 2020: Select Anthony Edwards 1st overall in NBA Draft
• 2022: Acquire Rudy Gobert in blockbuster trade
• 2024: Reach Western Conference Finals for second time
• 2025: Make second consecutive Western Conference Finals appearance

The Minnesota Timberwolves are rolling into the 2025-26 season with a carbon copy blueprint of what they utilised last season. With no new faces on the roster, the Timberwolves are investing continuity, with last year’s trip to the Western Conference Finals earning the confidence of Minnesota's front office. With Anthony Edwards emerging as the face of the league, the Timberwolves are ready to finally get over the line after falling in two straight Western Conference Finals.