Tim Connelly expressed willingness for the Minnesota Timberwolves to make significant roster changes while emphasizing his preference for team continuity. The executive detailed the organization’s approach to navigating luxury tax restrictions and potential moves ahead.
Connelly has had a shift in philosophy since joining Minnesota compared to his tenure with the Denver Nuggets. His Nuggets’ teams emphasized draft-based development around core players like Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. The Timberwolves have pursued blockbuster trades including deals for Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle.
“Given my druthers, I’m always kind of airing on the side of continuity,” Connelly said. “Patience in professional sports is largely nonexistent. Those organizations that can show patience tend to have a really high level of success. But patience shouldn’t lead to risk aversion.”
The franchise remains prepared to maintain its current core if major moves prove too costly. Connelly emphasized Minnesota won’t execute trades simply for change’s sake. The trade of Karl-Anthony Towns only materialized when New York made Donte DiVincenzo available.
“There’s something that if we have to shake it up and make us a better team, we’re certainly open to that … It took us a while to get acclimated [after the Towns trade] and we look forward to returning the core next year and hopefully go a bit further,” Connelly said.
The Wolves have been linked with a trade for Kevin Durant at the deadline, something that could be possibly revisited this offseason as remains on the block.
Minnesota operated above the second apron luxury tax threshold this season. The designation created significant roster-building restrictions including trade aggregation limitations and frozen draft pick usage.
“You can dip your toe in, but you don’t want to be there too consistently because it just gets so punitive,” Connelly explained. “It’s not just super expensive.”
The organization aims to retain key free agents Randle, Naz Reid, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker despite financial constraints. Connelly expressed optimism about re-signing targets given their contentment with the franchise.
“What’s neat is the players are all very happy here,” Connelly said. “They love the coaching staff, they love the teammates, they love the community.”