The Minnesota Timberwolves have made a blockbuster deal today that sends their All-Star center Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks for Julius Randle , Donte DiVincenzo, and a first-round pick. The Timberwolves made the decision mainly stemming from a financial point of view but they feel they have enough to win a championship in the Western Conference. The Timberwolves roster is looking very stacked at the moment as we go through what it looks like right now.
Starting Lineup
Mike Conley, Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, Julius Randle, Rudy Gobert
The Timberwolves' starting lineup now boasts a solid combination of veteran leadership, youthful explosiveness, and All-Star talent. Mike Conley continues to provide steady point guard play, averaging 11.4 points and 5.9 assists per game last season while maintaining his role as a floor general who can set up the offense efficiently. Anthony Edwards is clearly the star of the show, coming off a career-high season where he averaged 25.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.1 assists. The 23-year-old's ability to score from anywhere on the court will be crucial as he ascends to the next level of stardom.
Jaden McDaniels slots in as the versatile wing defender, capable of guarding multiple positions. He’s coming off a season where he shot 39.8% from deep, while his length and athleticism make him a defensive anchor on the perimeter. Julius Randle, the newly acquired piece, adds an immediate scoring punch. Randle averaged 24.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists last season, earning his second All-Star nod. His physicality will mesh well with Rudy Gobert , who remains a dominant rim protector. Gobert, the reigning four-time Defensive Player of the Year, averaged 12.9 rebounds and 2.1 blocks in 2023-24, and his role will expand as he anchors the Timberwolves’ defense.
Bench
Rob Dillingham, Donte DiVincenzo, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, PJ Dozier, Leonard Miller, Joe Ingles, Naz Reid, Luka Garza
Minnesota’s bench now features a mix of emerging young players and experienced veterans, giving them plenty of flexibility. The addition of Donte DiVincenzo, who averaged 15.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.7 assists last season, is key. He brings tough perimeter defense, shooting (40.1% from three), and secondary playmaking to the second unit. Paired with Rob Dillingham, a rookie with dynamic scoring ability and a reputation for big-time performances, this backcourt duo could be lethal off the bench. Dillingham’s creativity and scoring instincts will provide immediate offense, while DiVincenzo locks down the perimeter defensively.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker offers scoring versatility, as shown by his ability to step up in key playoff moments, while veteran Joe Ingles adds three-point shooting and playmaking at the forward spot, bringing crucial experience from his time with Utah and Milwaukee. Finally, Naz Reid rounds out the rotation as a key contributor in the frontcourt. Reid’s inside-outside game has flourished, and with averages of 13.5 points and 5.2 rebounds last season, he’ll give the Timberwolves a solid backup big capable of stretching the floor.
Minnesota Timberwolves Have Replaced Shooting With Physicality
With Karl-Anthony Towns gone, the Timberwolves have shifted from a team reliant on outside shooting to one that will embrace physicality and toughness. Julius Randle’s arrival signals this change, as he is one of the most bruising power forwards in the game. His ability to score in isolation and attack the paint makes him a matchup nightmare, but what separates him is his sheer physicality—Randle thrives in contact situations, often overwhelming defenders in the post. Meanwhile, Gobert’s presence in the paint ensures that Minnesota will be among the league leaders in rebounding and rim protection, doubling down on their interior defense.
However, this newfound physicality comes at a cost. Towns, a career 39.8% shooter from three, was a unique stretch five who could open up the floor for his teammates. Without that level of shooting from the center position, Minnesota will need to find spacing elsewhere. Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels will be counted on to provide perimeter shooting, while DiVincenzo and Ingles off the bench offer additional floor spacing. Still, the team is betting that their physicality and defense can compensate for any shooting gaps.
Expect The Timberwolves To Challenge For An NBA Finals Berth
This roster, bolstered by the addition of Randle and DiVincenzo, positions the Timberwolves as a legitimate contender in the Western Conference after making it to the Conference Finals last season. Anthony Edwards is quickly ascending to superstardom, and surrounding him with experienced veterans like Conley, Randle, and Gobert provides the kind of structure needed for a deep playoff run. If Edwards takes the next leap into MVP-level performance, and Randle meshes well in a system that demands toughness, the Timberwolves will have the firepower to compete with anyone in the West, including the likes of Denver and Oklahoma City.
The biggest question mark remains their chemistry. Integrating a high-usage player like Randle into an offense that revolves around Edwards will require finesse from head coach Chris Finch. But with their elite defense anchored by Gobert and McDaniels, coupled with the offensive versatility of their bench, the Timberwolves have positioned themselves to be a dark horse for the NBA Finals. If everything clicks, this could be the season Minnesota finally breaks through and makes its deepest playoff run in franchise history.
Related: NBA Fans React To Knicks Landing Karl-Anthony Towns: "Finals Bound"
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