MN Timberwolves Let Promising Young Bigs Walk

Yahoo

07-07-2025

The NBA Draft is in the rearview mirror. The Minnesota Timberwolves used their two selections on big men Joan Beringer and Rocco Zikarski. They then spent money on extensions for both Naz Reid and Julius Randle.
With Tim Connelly handling the big men for Chris Finch's roster, it seemed like that part of the group was set. Minnesota has needed a ball handler that can facilitate from the point guard position. They'll still need to look there in free agency, but they may not be done on the big man front yet.
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Luka Garza and Josh Minott have Minnesota Timberwolves options declined
The Minnesota Timberwolves are up against the second apron when it comes to luxury tax implications for 2025-26 season. That's part of the reason that expectations are for Nickeil Alexander-Walker to move on. Luka Garza and Josh Minott weren't necessarily on the radar, but they're now on the way out.
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As The Athletic's Jon Krawczynski points out, it's possible that the MN Timberwolves bring Garza back with a mid-level exception. That isn't exactly straightforward though, considering Minnesota still needs to spend on other areas of the roster.
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Luka Garza is something of a fan-favorite considering he hails from Iowa. After playing for the Pistons as a rookie, Garza has spent three seasons with the Timberwolves. He never averaged more than 8.7 minutes per game, and his 3.5 points per game last season were a career-low.
Head coach Chris Finch didn't routinely put Garza on the floor, but he did show some flashes during limited stretches. It's unfortunate the Minnesota Timberwolves aren't keeping him around on such a minimal contract, but he should have opportunity on the open market.
Josh Minott has always been more hype than actual production as was expected with his raw profile. In his third year with the Timberwolves the former Memphis big man averaged 6.0 minutes per game and just 2.6 points per game.
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He certainly has to believe he'll have a better opportunity to touch the floor on a team with a bit more open rotation.
Free agency officially begins on Monday June 30 at 5pm central time. Deals can't be officially signed until July 6th, but the frenzy is always fascinating. These two will join Alexander-Walker as Minnesota Timberwolves joining the fray.
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