The Minnesota Timberwolves have been one of the most active teams in the league this offseason. After pulling the trigger on not one, but two blockbuster deals, Minnesota has made some drastic changes to its roster.
For the most part, one could argue that these trades have been largely beneficial. With the first trade, the Timberwolves moved Julius Randle to the Brooklyn Nets in a three-team deal and acquired a $33.3 million trade exception. This effectively set them up for their next big move, bringing LaMelo Ball over from the Charlotte Hornets for Naz Reid and considerable draft compensation.
With LaMelo Ball‘s arrival, the Wolves have addressed one of the most pressing roster concerns. Unfortunately, Naz Reid’s departure has left Minnesota’s center rotation thin. With only Rudy Gobert and Joan Beringer to rely on, the Timberwolves must fortify their big man depth.
Currently, the Wolves lack the trade assets to pursue A-list targets, effectively eliminating their chances of landing players such as Jalen Duren, Walker Kessler, and Isaiah Hartenstein. However, with some free cap space at their disposal before they enter luxury tax territory, we explore five free agents the Timberwolves could target this summer:
Kristaps Porzingis
Stats: 16.7 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1.2 BPG, 44.6% FG, 33.8% 3P FG
2025-26 Contract: $30.7 million
Kristaps Porzingis is expected to be one of the biggest names on the free agency market for big men this offseason. Although the Warriors have shown an interest in re-signing him, their desire to offer a team-friendly contract could be an ideal opportunity for the Timberwolves to lure him away.
Kristaps Porzingis presents considerable upside as a frontcourt player. Aside from his size and length, Porzingis brings offensive versatility and rim protection, both of which could be immensely valuable for the Timberwolves in light of their recent transactions.
Although the 30-year-old struggled with health issues last season, resulting in only 32 appearances overall, Porzingis added tremendous value whenever he was available. When also factoring in his championship experience, the Warriors’ center could be a worthwhile investment.
Acquiring Porzingis may prove challenging from the perspective of last year’s earnings ($30.7 million). But considering the risk of signing him, the Wolves may be able to negotiate a contract worth roughly $15-$18 million annually.
Nikola Vucevic
Stats: 15.1 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 3.3 APG, 0.6 BPG, 49.3% FG, 36.9% 3P FG
2025-26 Contract: $21.4 million
Another major figure in the center market this offseason will be Nikola Vucevic. With his $21.4 million contract coming to an end, the Boston Celtics‘ big man will garner considerable interest in free agency. Among the teams that could emerge as suitors, the Timberwolves may be a great fit for him.
Despite being 35, Nikola Vucevic remains an extremely reliable asset in the big man rotation. While boasting a versatile offensive skill set, which allows him to operate in the low post and on the outside, Vucevic also brings experience and serves as a solid contributor.
Given his defensive shortcomings, Vucevic would function best as a scoring threat off the bench, allowing Minnesota to maintain scoring stability. Additionally, when factoring in his reliable floor-spacing ability, the Wolves only enjoy more flexibility by signing him.
Although he didn’t suit up in too many games for the Celtics, Vucevic’s performance last season largely justified his price tag. But considering his age, the Timberwolves may only see value in offering him a two-year, $36 million contract.
John Collins
Stats: 13.6 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 1.0 APG, 0.7 BPG, 55.2% FG, 40.6% 3P FG
2025-26 Contract: $26.5 million
Another intriguing name on the free agent market this offseason will be John Collins. Coming off a solid season with the Los Angeles Clippers, Collins will find himself generating some interest this summer. Given how similar he is to Naz Reid, the Wolves may see merit in pursuing him.
As mentioned earlier, Collins possesses the same skill set as Reid. Although Reid positions himself as a superior rebounder and playmaker, Collins’ athleticism makes him a better lob threat, making him a great fit alongside a playmaker like LaMelo Ball. When additionally factoring in his elite three-point shooting, the Timberwolves would be advised to sign him.
The issue, however, lies in his previous contract. Currently, Collins isn’t worth $26.5 million. But considering what other teams may be willing to offer for his services, if Minnesota intends to pry him away from other suitors, they may have to offer him a contract worth roughly $25 million annually.
Sandro Mamukelashvili
Stats: 11.2 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 1.9 APG, 0.5 BPG, 52.3% FG, 38.9% 3P FG
2025-26 Contract: $2.4 million ($2.8 million, player option for 2026-27)
Barring the bigger names in free agency, the Minnesota Timberwolves may also see merit in turning their gaze toward lesser-mentioned players. With the Toronto Raptors‘ big man Sandro Mamukelashvili emerging as a solid target, the Wolves may see great value in signing him.
Mamukelashvili is effectively the same size as Reid. While bringing toughness and floor spacing to the table, the Raptors’ center also contributes as a solid rebounder and playmaker out of the post. Given how effective he was in Toronto’s second unit, the Timberwolves could see real value in adding him to their bench rotation.
Signing a player like Sandro Mamukelashvili would be promising, but the Timberwolves must be patient. Although he has a player option for the 2026-27 season, sources suggest that he is likely to decline it. With the center valued at roughly $10-$11 million annually, the Wolves may need to get creative with their offer, potentially settling at a three-year, $28 million deal.
Neemias Queta
Stats: 10.2 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 1.7 APG, 1.3 BPG, 65.3% FG
2025-26 Contract: $2.3 million ($2.6 million, team option for 2026-27)
Neemias Queta might just be one of the most valuable low-cost pickups in the free agency market this offseason. Coming off a season of earning $2.3 million, it is evident from his stats that Queta outperformed his contract.
In many ways, Neemias Queta would fit perfectly in the Timberwolves’ lineup. Although he isn’t a particularly skilled big man like some of the other names on this list, Queta makes up for it with high energy and effort on both ends of the floor, making him the ideal “service” center.
Having shown tremendous upside, the Minnesota Timberwolves stand to gain a lot from attempting to sign the Celtics’ big man. Unfortunately, doing so will be difficult.
Currently, Boston has a $2.6 million team option on his contract for the 2026-27 season. In light of last season’s display and their current cap situation, the Celtics are likely to pick up this option to ensure some stability in the frontcourt.
In this regard, the Timberwolves’ only chance of acquiring Queta would be through a trade. However, on the off chance that the Celtics decline his team option, Minnesota would be advised to make a run at the 26-year-old.
Â
