The Minnesota Timberwolves haven’t made a huge splash this offseason—definitely not what fans expected. Not long ago, President of Basketball Operations Tim Connelly had high hopes the Wolves would come out as big winners in the historic seven-team Kevin Durant trade finalized this week.
Instead, Minnesota ended up playing a supporting role—just shuffling salaries, picks, and players. After Durant reportedly refused to suit up for Minnesota, Connelly shifted gears. The backup plan brought in fresh contracts for Julius Randle and Naz Reid, but not for Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Luka Garza, or Josh Minott, who all moved on.
Now bumping against the second apron of the NBA luxury tax, the Wolves look ready to run things back in 2025-26 with added responsibility placed on their younger core. Still, when Tim Connelly is in charge, no situation is ever completely settled.
👀 Timberwolves Eyeing Bradley Beal
Even with limited cap flexibility, Minnesota is working behind the scenes, exploring what’s left on the market for guards. A few weeks back, they were reportedly targeting Utah’s Collin Sexton—before he ended up with Charlotte.
Now, according to Jake Fischer and The Stine Line Substack, Minnesota is in talks with multiple guards—including none other than Bradley Beal, former Suns guard and Durant’s old teammate in Phoenix.
“Some confirmed suitors for Beal include the LA Clippers — fresh off agreeing to trade Norman Powell to Miami in a three-team deal that will bring back Utah’s John Collins — as well as the Los Angeles Lakers, Milwaukee and Minnesota.”
The Suns are entering full teardown mode, and Beal is next on their list. Per Fischer, the 32-year-old is negotiating a buyout with Phoenix, which would make him an unrestricted free agent. Meanwhile, trade talks continue to swirl across the league.
A three-time All-Star and former No. 3 overall pick, Beal has averaged 21.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.3 assists over his 13-year NBA career. But last season was one of his roughest—his minutes dropped to 32.1 per game, the lowest since 2015-16, along with a significant dip in scoring.
From 2017–2023, he averaged 25.5 points in 35.7 minutes, but that fell to 17.6 PPG in 32.7 minutes during his time with the Suns. The big question: Would Beal thrive again alongside Anthony Edwards, Julius Randle, and Naz Reid?
🔁 Wolves Also Exploring Malcolm Brogdon
Another name in the mix is Malcolm Brogdon, currently with the Washington Wizards. Luckily for the Wolves, the Wizards are open to moving the veteran guard in a sign-and-trade.
“All of these scenarios, furthermore, are sure to have an impact on Brogdon. League sources say that the Wizards are open to sign-and-trade discussions to facilitate Brogdon’s exit and a slew of teams have registered varying levels of interest in the 32-year-old. That list includes the Clippers, Suns and Lakers as well as the Warriors, Timberwolves, Pelicans, Kings and Bucks.”
While not the flashiest name, Brogdon might fit Minnesota’s system better than Beal. Once a dependable all-around guard, his production has slipped recently. Over his first eight seasons, he averaged 15.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.7 assists in 28.7 minutes. Last season, that dropped to 12.7 PPG, 3.8 RPG, and 4.1 APG in 23.5 minutes.
There’s a fair question to ask: Would Brogdon even want to play in Minnesota? And if the team manages to bring him in, how would that affect the depth chart—especially behind Mike Conley?
🧠 Don’t Forget Rob Dillingham
Another layer to consider: 2024’s No. 8 pick, Rob Dillingham, is still in the picture. Minnesota believes in his potential, and he’s expected to have a major offseason. If Connelly brings in a vet like Brogdon, Dillingham’s minutes could become much harder to earn.
🎯 Final Word
The Timberwolves are clearly working to boost their backcourt talent—whether at the point or on the wing. What Connelly ends up pulling off, and whether it actually elevates the team, remains to be seen. But one thing’s certain: Minnesota isn’t done yet.
