Timberwolves Get Major Update on Julius Randle, Naz Reid Future

The Minnesota Timberwolves are coming off their second straight defeat in the Western Conference Finals as they enter the offseason. Minnesota just hasn’t been able to get over the hump in recent years, and it could see them potentially make some changes this offseason.

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The Timberwolves have a few crucial players entering into free agency, so the front office has some work to do. Forward Julius Randle, Naz Reid, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker are the main players that Minnesota has to consider.

Randle and Reid can both opt out of the final years of their deals, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker is simply an unrestricted free agent. Minnesota would love to keep all three, but financially, it likely isn’t possible.

After the elimination, insider Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic provided a big update on the future of the players. According to Krawczynski, the Timberwolves may only be able to keep two of the three players.

“Given the salary cap constraints, it seems likely that the most realistic path forward is for the Wolves to retain two of those three players. Alexander-Walker was one of the biggest bargains in the league this season at $4.3 million and is due a significant raise this summer.”

The Timberwolves have valued depth and size across the roster over the past two years. Each of these players gives them the ability to be switchable on defense, while providing them with enough offense as well.

The priorities for the Timberwolves will likely be Randle and Reid, but Minnesota also needs wing depth to keep going strong. Alexander-Walker is going to be getting a large pay increase on the open market, so it could see him bolt the team.

But the Timberwolves will see how expensive it will be to keep the others around as well. Randle fit in nicely alongside star Anthony Edwards, and Minnesota paid a big price to land him in a trade last offseason.

Reid has been solid for Minnesota, but his inconsistency at times could see the Timberwolves let him walk. The veteran also mentioned in his end-of-the-year press conference that he views himself as a starter, and that could complicate things a little.

Either way, it seems that Minnesota will do what it needs in order to keep the majority of the team around. But as with any club, sometimes that means a key player does become the odd man out.

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