Sports

Timberwolves making another unexpected offseason move can't be ruled out

Dunking with Wolves · Jul 20, 2026 22:00 · 3 min read

Timberwolves making another unexpected offseason move can't be ruled out — Sep 29, 2025; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves president of basketball operations Tim Connelly speaks to the media during media day at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Timberwolves' path to landing a starting-level forward is tricky, but you can never count Tim Connelly out.

Assuming the Minnesota Timberwolves strike out on LeBron James, another sizable move feels unlikely despite their undeniable need for a forward after trading Julius Randle and Naz Reid.

President of basketball operations Tim Connelly saying they have some internal options for their power forward void that are leftfield-ish is evidence that a move for a starting-caliber forward is unlikely. The constraints Minnesota faces in free agency (they only have access to the veteran's minimum) and on the trade market (no first-round picks, can't aggregate Josh Green's salary until September, and few clear trade chips) further add to the idea that a move for a starting-caliber forward is unlikely.

Nevertheless, with Connelly leading the charge, it should not be entirely ruled out. Connelly moves in silence, as evidenced by all of his biggest trades with the Timberwolves (including the LaMelo Ball trade this summer). And he loves making big moves!

Connelly's track record has taught fans to expect the unexpected.

Tim Connelly could pull off an unexpected move to solve the Timberwolves' fatal flaw

Could the Timberwolves make a late offseason trade for a power forward? Or could they coax Jonathan Kuminga to sign a prove-it deal? Neither scenario should be seen as probable. At the same time, these possibilities can't be ruled out.

There haven't been many trade rumors about Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington. Still, due to his picture-perfect fit and the Mavericks' loaded forward rotation, some observers (including myself) have listed him as an ideal trade target for Minnesota. This is perhaps even more true with the Mavericks' addition of Zaccharie Risacher.

The Wolves could ship out Josh Green and Terrence Shannon Jr. to strike a trade with the Mavs. Now, this trade can't happen until September 9, but Connelly may have quietly plotted out this deal or something similar. Regardless, given the Timberwolves' lack of trade chips, this move would be unexpected.

Though the Indiana Pacers don't have the same forward logjam, could they be open to moving off Obi Toppin's long-term contract? It's possible. And maybe there's another starting-caliber power forward who could be available who I'm not thinking of.

All of this is to say: don't be shocked if Connelly works his magic and pulls off a surprise September trade.

As for the idea of Kuminga that I mentioned earlier, it's not likely the Wolves sign him, and yes, it would be surprising if he took a minimum. However, the Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers are the two most noted suitors for him. With the Lakers signing Matisse Thybulle and the Cavs possibly landing LeBron, his market could be dwindling.

To this end, I don't think it would be completely out of the realm of possibilities for him to settle for a one-year prove-it deal with a winning team. And what team would be better to do that with than the Timberwolves?

Kuminga is far from perfect, but as a low-cost yet highly talented upside swing, he could be a worthwhile addition.

Outside of Kuminga, there aren't many starting-level PFs who are still available in free agency. But if the other moves outlined don't come to fruition, maybe, just maybe, Connelly makes an unexpectedly brilliant move around the margins. It wouldn't be the first time.

Connelly is perhaps the most aggressive executive in the league, and it's hard to imagine that he's happy with the Wolves' forward room. Thus, he might have a move up his sleeve that nobody is expecting, but one that could solidify the Timberwolves as title contenders.