The Timberwolves overhauled their rotation this offseason, parting ways with Julius Randle and Naz Reid and adding LaMelo Ball alongside Jonathan Kuminga.
Ball’s arrival is aimed at lightening the load on franchise cornerstone Anthony Edwards, who has shouldered play‑making and scoring duties for years. Edwards says he’s thrilled to have an elite point guard beside him, a sentiment ESPN’s Jamal Collier highlights.
The past couple seasons I couldn’t defend as well because I was handling the ball,” Edwards explained. “I was forced to score constantly, got exhausted, but now with LaMelo I can stay on the wing, hit threes in succession and guard top players. This year my game will look completely different.”
Ball also voiced his excitement, noting the pair could click on the floor and share a strong bond off it.
We share the same vibe,” Ball said. “Cool, confident, outgoing—just like my brother. I think we’ll click.”
Our group chat is blowing up,” Edwards added. “We run a fantasy football league and the locker room chemistry feels natural.”
Edwards isn’t the only one eager to partner with a floor‑general like Ball; the big men know his passing can translate their rolls into easy scores.
Honestly, in the first practice he tossed countless lobs,” second‑year center Joan Beringer said. “I’ve never seen that before—perfect for my game. I’m pumped to play with him.”
Here’s more from Minnesota’s camp:
- Tim Connelly, the Wolves’ president of basketball operations, enters the final year of his deal. Though an extension hasn’t arrived, he’s spoken with ownership and feels at home in Minnesota, Krawczynski reports. “I’m super happy here,” the veteran noted. “We welcomed our third child here and truly belong to this community. My focus is on building and winning.” Connelly admitted his contract chatter could distract from his mission and said no teams have pursued him seriously. “Opportunities may have existed elsewhere,” he said, “but I’m thrilled with where I am personally and professionally and excited about new ownership. I’ve been fortunate to work with great people.” For my money, Connelly’s steady hand is the franchise’s biggest asset.
- Should the NBA grow to 32 clubs, a Western team will likely shift east—an idea the Timberwolves have chased for years, Krawczynski notes. The Wolves, Grizzlies and Pelicans are the candidates; no decision is imminent. While the other two sit slightly farther east, Minnesota’s case rests on a natural fit in the Central Division. The franchise already logs the league’s longest travel miles each season. Still, a move would dissolve the long‑standing, entertaining rivalry with Denver and add colder travel destinations, Krawczynski observes. Will the Wolves finally secure an Eastern slot and reshape the conference balance?