The Minnesota Timberwolves entered the offseason knowing changes were necessary. After another playoff run ended short of a championship, the front office has been aggressive in reshaping the roster around Anthony Edwards, and several notable names have emerged in trade rumors and free agency discussions.
One name that will not be heading to Minnesota, however, is Ja Morant. Following the Timberwolves’ blockbuster trade that sent Julius Randle to the Brooklyn Nets, speculation quickly emerged that Minnesota could use its newfound financial flexibility and $33 million trade exception to pursue the Memphis Grizzlies star. Those rumors did not last long.
According to Timberwolves insider Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic, Minnesota has already ruled out that possibility.
“The Wolves have not been in the Ja Morant mix. Decision was made to look elsewhere for backcourt help.”
That is a significant development considering Morant remains one of the league’s most talented guards when healthy. The two-time All-Star is under a five-year, $197.2 million contract and averaged 19.5 points and 8.1 assists in 20 games last season before injuries once again limited his availability.
The talent is undeniable. The risk is equally obvious. Morant has not played more than 50 games in a season since 2022, and Minnesota appears unwilling to gamble Anthony Edwards’ championship window on a player carrying that much uncertainty.
Instead, the Timberwolves are focusing on more reliable options. The biggest move already appears complete.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Minnesota is bringing back Ayo Dosunmu on a five-year, $112 million contract after creating additional cap flexibility through the Randle trade. Dosunmu earned that deal.
Last season, he averaged 14.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists while shooting an outstanding 52.1% from the field and 41.4% from three-point range. His production elevated further in the playoffs, where he averaged 15.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists while shooting 50.0% from the field and 42.5% from beyond the arc.
Several of his biggest performances came against the Denver Nuggets, where he consistently delivered in high-pressure moments. Those playoff performances reportedly helped solidify Minnesota’s commitment to him as a long-term piece alongside Edwards.
But the Timberwolves may not be finished.
The Randle trade created nearly $36 million in additional flexibility while generating a $33 million trade exception. Reports suggest the president of basketball operations, Tim Connelly, has explored multiple high-profile backcourt targets. Among the names linked to Minnesota are Derrick White, Kyrie Irving, Josh Giddey, and Trey Murphy III.
White appears particularly interesting. Multiple reports have suggested the Timberwolves have aggressively pursued the Celtics guard. White’s elite perimeter defense, three-point shooting, and championship experience would make him an ideal backcourt partner for Edwards.
Murphy has also generated interest because of his size, versatility, and ability to thrive without dominating the basketball. His fit alongside Edwards could be seamless.
Meanwhile, Minnesota’s decision to move on from Randle signals a larger philosophical shift. The organization clearly believes flexibility and roster balance are more important than maintaining the previous core.
Randle averaged 21.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 5.0 assists during the regular season, but his production dropped significantly during the playoffs. Minnesota ultimately chose financial flexibility, Naz Reid’s continued development, and future roster opportunities over retaining the former All-Star. The result is a Timberwolves team that suddenly has options.
Morant may no longer be part of the conversation, but Minnesota remains one of the most active teams in the league. With Edwards entering his prime, Dosunmu secured long-term, substantial flexibility still available; the Timberwolves appear determined to keep upgrading their roster as they chase a championship.
