These three players may become key rotational works for the Timberwolves in 2025-26
Prior to free agents, there were rumors that Naz Reid would leave the Timberwolves. The team quickly shut down the rumors after giving Reid a five-year, $125 million contract.
By re-signing Reed, Minnesota cannot retain Nick Alexander Walker. He was picked up by the Hawks’ signature deal with the Timberwolves. Additionally, Josh Minnot and Luka Garza left free agents during the offseason. Before the 2025-26 season, Minnesota is confident in the depth of its establishment. Rob Dillingham, Jaylen Clark and Terrence Shannon Jr. may have a bigger role in the 2025-26 season.
Timberwolves can see increased production of role-players in 2025-26
Summer wolf pic.twitter.com/n9xf6kykur
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@timberwolves) July 3, 2025
Minnesota’s worst loss next season is the backup SG Nickeil Alexander-Walker. In 2022-23, Alexander-Walker trades from Utah to the Timberwolves. It’s part of the three team trade that also sends Mike Conley to Minnesota. Alexander-Walker has played 82 games in each of the last two seasons. The former first-round draft pick has scored 10 games in 2024-25. With Alexander-Walker trading to the Hawks, he left 25.3 minutes per game.
This may be the way for young players on the roster to play roles for themselves. The three players who came to mind were Rob Dillingham, Jaylen Clark and Terrence Shannon Jr. Rob Dillingham was selected as No. 8 by the Spurs in 2024 but were traded to the Timberwolves on draft night.
As a rookie, Dillingham played in 49 of the team’s 82 regular season games and started one. As Mike Conley grows up, Dillingham may continue to grow, possibly the next PG in the series. In addition, Minnesota also has 2024 second-round draft pick Jaylen Clark. He played 40 of the team’s 82 games and played four games. The six-foot SG shows his accuracy as a rookie. Knocked his 3-pointer.431.
The final young players can see the Timberwolves playing time increase in 2025-26 is Terrence Shannon Jr. He is the 27th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Shannon Jr. He played 32 of the team’s 82 games and started one. Rob Dillingham, Jaylen Clark and Terrence Shannon Jr. will play in Minnesota’s summer league in the offseason.
