Major Offseason Decisions Await Alex Rodriguez After Julius Randle’s 24-Point Performance Raises Questions on Timberwolves Future

When the Timberwolves made it to their second straight West Finals, many believed this would be the year they finally get over the hump and lift the Larry O’Brien trophy. Unfortunately, the top seeded OKC Thunder proved too much to handle for Anthony Edwards and Co. They got completely outplayed by Mark Daigneault’s squad, losing the series in a gentleman’s sweep and shattering their championship dream. Now, the dreaded offseason awaits. And new majority owners Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore have some tough decisions to make.

Of course, the biggest one will be determining Julius Randle’s future. Well, the three-time All-Star has a $30.9 million player option for next season, and will be extension eligible this summer. When he initially got traded to the Wolves in exchange for Karl-Anthony Towns, Randle had every intention to extend his stay in Minnesota. “They made me feel more than at home being here. Just super comfortable, the energy is up like just being in the building, the energy is up. The guys seem like everybody gets along… Ultimately, yeah, I do want to be here.”

Looked like the Wolves also felt they made the right call by acquiring Julius, as he averaged 18.7 points and over seven rebounds during the regular season, and led them to the West Finals. An extension seemed liked the next logical step. However, the forward’s constant struggles against OKC could change things. Randle looked like a shell of himself this entire series, having the two lowest scoring games of his playoffs career.

Even tonight, he scored just 24 points on 8 of 14 shooting. Clearly not enough to lead his team to victory. Moreover, Randle will likely be looking for a number higher than his current salary, which the Wolves might be unable to afford. Their current roster has a $199 million allocated salary, which is already surpassing the first apron. And with other key players entering free agency, spending majority of their cap space on Randle could be a huge gamble.

Timberwolves in tough spot as two more key players’ future becomes uncertain after West Finals exit

While Julius is the biggest star in discussion, A-Rod also has other key players to worry about. First is Nickeil Alexander-Walker, whose two-year $9 million contract is expiring, making him a free agent this summer. Well, he has been a solid rotation piece for the Wolves, averaging 9.4 points and nearly three assists during the regular season. He even had a decent playoff run, going off for 23 points in Game 4, and nearly beating OKC on his own. However, NAW had a scoreless performance tonight, which could make Tim Connelly question his consistency in high stake games.

A challenging offseason coming in Minnesota. Alexander-Walker a free agent. Randle, Reid with player options. New owners — will they spend? Tim Connelly is a wizard of a GM but he will have his work cut out keeping this team among the elite.

— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) May 29, 2025

Another star in question is Naz Reid. Unlike Walker, Naz has a $15 million player option for next season. If he chooses to enter free agency, he will be in high demand because many contending teams need an elite big man. Reid is a former Sixth Man of the Year, who has been consistent for the Wolves throughout his tenure. Even this season, he averaged 14.2 points and six rebounds, along with a solid showing in the playoffs. So, the Minnesota team will likely need to offer him an extension to secure him for the long haul.

Meanwhile, other pieces, including Luka Garza and Joe Ingles, are also either set to enter free agency or are on expiring contracts. So, Rodriguez, Lore, and Connelly will have their work cut out this summer to make the right moves and upgrade this team to a championship level squad, while also staying away from tax penalties. Do you think they can do it and get over the hump next year?

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