The Minnesota Timberwolves are set to have one of the highest team salaries in the NBA for the upcoming season. With star players like Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards on maximum contracts, along with Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels on lucrative deals, Minnesota is facing unfamiliar territory with regards to their spending and luxury tax obligations.
Tim Connelly, the Wolves president of basketball operations, emphasized the importance of developing the team’s young talent in light of their expensive roster. Rookies Rob Dillingham and Terrence Shannon Jr. are expected to play significant roles for the team, as Connelly noted.
“While we don’t want to overwhelm our young players, they will have to step up and earn their minutes on the court. Given our financial situation, we need to integrate these young talents into our lineup,” Connelly explained. “Our focus is on getting them to embrace Coach Chris Finch’s philosophy. We understand it won’t always be smooth sailing, but their dedication to our system is what matters most.”
Minnesota made strategic moves to acquire Dillingham as the 8th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft and selected Shannon with the 27th pick. Dillingham is expected to be the point guard of the future for the Wolves and will serve as a backup to Mike Conley this season, while Shannon will provide valuable wing depth behind Edwards and McDaniels.
