Editing Minnesota Timberwolves (section)

==History==

===1989–1995: team creation and early years===
NBA basketball returned to the [[Twin Cities]] in 1989 for the first time since the [[Minneapolis Lakers]] (1947–1960) departed to [[Los Angeles]] in [[1960–61 NBA season|1960]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rippel |first=Joel |date=May 3, 2024 |title=Why did the Minneapolis Lakers basketball team move to Los Angeles? |url=https://www2.startribune.com/basketball-nba-minneapolis-lakers-history-move-los-angeles/600363490/ |access-date=2025-02-27 |website=Star Tribune}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=MANY HAPPY RETURNS |url=https://vault.si.com/vault/1989/11/06/many-happy-returns-larry-bird-eastern-europeans-and-minneapolis-are-all-making-comebacks-and-come-the-spring-the-pistons-and-the-lakers-will-be-back-playing-for-the-championship |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20230614100151/https://vault.si.com/vault/1989/11/06/many-happy-returns-larry-bird-eastern-europeans-and-minneapolis-are-all-making-comebacks-and-come-the-spring-the-pistons-and-the-lakers-will-be-back-playing-for-the-championship |archive-date=2023-06-14 |access-date=2025-02-27 |work=Sports Illustrated Vault {{!}} SI.com |language=en-us}}</ref> The NBA had granted one of its four new expansion teams on April 22, 1987 (the others being the [[Orlando Magic]], [[Charlotte Hornets]], and the [[Miami Heat]]) to original owners Harvey Ratner and Marv Wolfenson to begin play beginning in the [[1989–90 NBA season|1989–90 season]]. There were two previous [[American Basketball Association]] (ABA) franchises that played in between the Lakers' departure and the Timberwolves arrival: the [[Minnesota Muskies]] (1967–68), and the [[Minnesota Pipers]] (1968–69). The Timberwolves have worn throwback uniforms for each of the previous franchises.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/blog/sports-business/2012/02/wolves-to-wear-throwback-jerseys.html |title=Wolves to wear throwback jerseys — way back to the Muskies |work=Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal |last=Vomhof |first=John Jr. |date=February 1, 2012 |access-date=July 21, 2022 |archive-date=March 17, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120317153940/http://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/blog/sports-business/2012/02/wolves-to-wear-throwback-jerseys.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://nba.nbcsports.com/2019/11/20/timberwolves-new-alternate-uniforms-resemble-minneapolis-lakers/ | title=Timberwolves' new alternate uniforms resemble Minneapolis Lakers | date=November 21, 2019 | access-date=June 27, 2022 | archive-date=June 27, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220627010309/https://nba.nbcsports.com/2019/11/20/timberwolves-new-alternate-uniforms-resemble-minneapolis-lakers/ | url-status=live }}</ref>

The franchise conducted a "name the team" contest<ref>{{cite web|title=TIMBERWOLVES: Suggested Nicknames for the Minnesota NBA Franchise|url=http://www.nba.com/timberwolves/history/suggested_nicknames.html|publisher=National Basketball Association|date=February 1, 2004|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040203121134/http://www.nba.com/timberwolves/history/suggested_nicknames.html|archive-date=February 3, 2004|access-date=August 3, 2015}}</ref> and eventually selected two finalists, "Timberwolves" and "Polars", in December 1986. The team then asked the 842 city councils in Minnesota to select the winner and "Timberwolves" prevailed by nearly 2–1.<ref>{{cite web|title=Behind the Name: Timberwolves|url=http://www.nba.com/timberwolves/features/behind_the_name_timberwolves.html|publisher=National Basketball Association|date=August 3, 2015|access-date=August 3, 2015|archive-date=April 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150424225227/http://www.nba.com/timberwolves/features/behind_the_name_timberwolves.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=2014-15 Minnesota Timberwolves Media Guide|url=http://i.cdn.turner.com/nba/nba/.element/media/2.0/teamsites/timberwolves/media/2014-15_Timberwolves_Online_Media_Guide.pdf#page=177|publisher=Minnesota Timberwolves|date=October 23, 2014|access-date=August 3, 2015|archive-date=March 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305011226/http://i.cdn.turner.com/nba/nba/.element/media/2.0/teamsites/timberwolves/media/2014-15_Timberwolves_Online_Media_Guide.pdf#page=177|url-status=dead}}</ref> The team was officially named the "Minnesota Timberwolves" on January 23, 1987. Minnesota is home to the largest population of [[Eastern wolf|timberwolves]] in the contiguous 48 states.<ref>{{cite web|title=Wolf Management: Minnesota DNR|url=http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/mammals/wolves/mgmt.html|publisher=Minnesota Department of Natural Resources|date=August 3, 2015|access-date=August 3, 2015|archive-date=July 19, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150719101543/http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/mammals/wolves/mgmt.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Timberwolves debuted on November 3, 1989, losing to the [[Seattle SuperSonics]] on the road 106–94.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Archives |first=L. A. Times |date=1989-03-01 |title=Minnesota Is Back in NBA, 29 Years After Lakers Leave |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-03-01-sp-777-story.html |access-date=2025-02-27 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref> Five days later, they made their home debut at the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]], losing to the [[Chicago Bulls]] 96–84.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Madison |first=Eric in |date=2018-11-24 |title=Remember When...The Wolves Played Their First Ever Home Game? |url=https://www.canishoopus.com/2018/11/24/18110097/remember-when-the-wolves-played-their-first-ever-home-game-minnesota-timberwolves-nba-history |access-date=2025-02-27 |website=Canis Hoopus |language=en}}</ref> Two nights later on November 10, the Wolves got their first win, beating the [[Philadelphia 76ers]] at home 125–118. The Timberwolves, led by [[Tony Campbell]] with 23.2&nbsp;ppg, went on to a 22–60 record, finishing in sixth place in the Midwest Division. Playing in the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, the expansion Timberwolves set an NBA record by drawing over 1&nbsp;million fans to their home games.<ref>[http://www.apbr.org/attendance.html The Association for Professional Basketball Research] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170702065641/http://www.apbr.org/attendance.html |date=July 2, 2017 }} APBR.org</ref> This included a crowd of 49,551 on April 17, 1990, which saw the Timberwolves lose to the [[Denver Nuggets]] 99–88 in the final home game of the season.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/MIN/1990.html |title=1989-90 Minnesota Timberwolves Roster and Stats |publisher=Basketball-Reference.com |access-date=March 22, 2013 |archive-date=April 3, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130403224806/http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/MIN/1990.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

The next [[1990–91 NBA season|season]], the team moved into their permanent home, the [[Target Center]], and improved somewhat, finishing 29–53. However, they fired their head coach, [[Bill Musselman]]. They fared far worse in the [[1991–92 NBA season]] under Musselman's successor, ex-[[Boston Celtics|Celtics]] coach [[Jimmy Rodgers (basketball)|Jimmy Rodgers]], finishing with an NBA-worst 15–67 record. Looking to turn the corner, the Wolves hired former [[Detroit Pistons]] general manager [[Jack McCloskey]] to the same position, but even with notable first-round selections such as [[Christian Laettner]] and [[Isaiah Rider]], the Timberwolves were unable to duplicate McCloskey's "Detroit Bad Boys" success in the Twin Cities, finishing 19–63 and 20–62 the next two seasons. One of the few highlights from that era was when the Target Center served as host of the 1994 [[1994 NBA All-Star Game|All-Star Game]] where Rider won the [[Slam Dunk Contest]] with his between-the-leg "East Bay Funk Dunk".<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/vpGcjaG4MUU Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20120209111822/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpGcjaG4MUU&gl=US&hl=en Wayback Machine]}}{{cbignore}}: {{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpGcjaG4MUU |title=1994 NBA Slam Dunk Competition |date=March 9, 2007 |publisher=YouTube |access-date=March 22, 2013}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

As winning basketball continued to elude the Wolves, Ratner and Wolfenson [[Minnesota Timberwolves failed relocation to New Orleans|nearly sold the team to New Orleans interests]] in 1994 before NBA owners rejected the proposed move. Eventually, [[Glen Taylor]] bought the team and named [[Kevin McHale (basketball)|Kevin McHale]] general manager. The Wolves finished 21–61 in 1994–95, and the future looked bleak.<ref name="basketball-reference">{{cite web |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/MIN/1995.html |title=1994-95 Minnesota Timberwolves Roster and Stats |publisher=Basketball-Reference.com |access-date=March 22, 2013 |archive-date=April 3, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130403220314/http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/MIN/1995.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

===1995–2007: the Kevin Garnett era===
[[File:Kevin Garnett with the Minnesota Timberwolves dunking, 2007.jpg|thumb|upright|right|[[Kevin Garnett]] played for the Timberwolves from 1995 to 2007 before returning in 2015.]]
In the [[1995 NBA draft]], the Timberwolves selected high school standout [[Kevin Garnett]] in the first round (5th overall),<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/draft/NBA_1995.html |title=1995 NBA Draft |publisher=Basketball-Reference.com |date=June 28, 1995 |access-date=March 22, 2013 |archive-date=September 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180923200548/https://www.basketball-reference.com/draft/NBA_1995.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and [[Flip Saunders]] was named head coach. [[Christian Laettner]] was traded along with [[Sean Rooks]] to the [[Atlanta Hawks]] for [[Andrew Lang (basketball)|Andrew Lang]] and [[Spud Webb]]. Also, first-round pick [[Donyell Marshall]] was traded the previous season for [[Golden State Warriors]]' forward [[Tom Gugliotta]]. These trades paved the way for rookie Kevin Garnett to become the go-to player inside. Garnett went on to average 10.4 ppg in his rookie season as the Wolves finished in 5th place in the Midwest Division, with a 26–56 record.<ref name="basketball-reference" />

In 1996, the Wolves added another star player in the draft, trading [[Ray Allen]] to the [[Milwaukee Bucks]] for the rights to [[Stephon Marbury]], the 4th overall pick. The addition of Marbury had a positive effect on the entire team, as Garnett and Gugliotta became the first Wolves to be selected to the All-Star team. Gugliotta and Garnett led the Timberwolves in scoring as the team made the playoffs for the first time in franchise history with a record of 40–42. However, [[1997 NBA playoffs|in the playoffs]] the Timberwolves made a quick exit as they were swept by the [[Houston Rockets]] in three straight games.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/MIN/1997.html |title=1996-97 Minnesota Timberwolves Roster and Stats |publisher=Basketball-Reference.com |access-date=March 22, 2013 |archive-date=April 4, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130404080930/http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/MIN/1997.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The T-Wolves also decided to change their image by changing their team logo and color scheme, adding black to the team colors and replacing the original logo with one featuring a snarling wolf looming over a field of trees. It was also during this season that Minnesota began to play on a [[parquet floor]].

In 1997, Garnett and Marbury established themselves as two of the brightest rising stars in the [[National Basketball Association|NBA]]. Garnett averaged 18.5 ppg and 9.6 rebounds per game, while Marbury averaged 17.7 ppg and dished out 8.6 assists per game. Despite losing leading scorer Tom Gugliotta for half the season, the Timberwolves went on to post their first winning season at 45–37, making the playoffs for the second straight season. After dropping Game 1 of the playoffs on the road to the [[Seattle SuperSonics]], the Timberwolves won their first postseason game in Game 2, winning in [[Seattle]] 98–93. As the series shifted to Minnesota, the Timberwolves had an opportunity to pull off the upset as they won Game 3 by a score of 98–90. However, the Wolves dropped Game 4 at home as the Sonics went on to win the series in five games.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/MIN/1998.html |title=1997-98 Minnesota Timberwolves Roster and Stats |publisher=Basketball-Reference.com |access-date=March 22, 2013 |archive-date=April 4, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130404052504/http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/MIN/1998.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 1998, a year after signing Kevin Garnett to a six-year, $126 million contract, the Timberwolves were then used as the poster child of irresponsible spending as the NBA endured a four-month lockout that wiped out much of the season. With an already cap-heavy payroll, the Wolves let Tom Gugliotta walk, partially because the team wanted to save money in order to sign Stephon Marbury to a long-term contract, and in part because Gugliotta did not want to play with the young player. This move proved unsuccessful, however, as Stephon Marbury wanted to be the biggest star on a team and subsequently forced an in-season trade by refusing a contract extension. In the three-team mid-season deal that sent Marbury to the [[New Jersey Nets]], the Wolves got [[Terrell Brandon]] in return and a first-round draft pick in the 1999 draft (which turned out to be the sixth pick). The Wolves made the playoffs for the third straight season by finishing in fourth place with a 25–25 record. In the playoffs, the Timberwolves were beaten by the eventual champion [[San Antonio Spurs]] in four games.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/MIN/1999.html |title=1998-99 Minnesota Timberwolves Roster and Stats |publisher=Basketball-Reference.com |access-date=March 22, 2013 |archive-date=April 3, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130403201938/http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/MIN/1999.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 1999, the Timberwolves drafted [[Wally Szczerbiak]] with the sixth pick in the draft.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://nbadraft.net/nba_draft_history/1999.html |title=1999 NBA Draft |publisher=NBADraft.net |access-date=March 22, 2013 |archive-date=March 13, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130313110158/http://www.nbadraft.net/nba_draft_history/1999.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> He had a solid season, finishing third on the team in scoring with 11.6 points per game. Led by Kevin Garnett, who averaged 22.9 points per game and 11.8 rebounds per game, the Timberwolves had their first 50-win season and finished in 3rd place with a record of 50–32. However, in the playoffs the Wolves again fell in the first round, losing to the [[Portland Trail Blazers]] in four games.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_2000.html |title=2000 NBA Playoffs Summary |publisher=Basketball-Reference.com |access-date=March 22, 2013 |archive-date=September 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915015624/https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_2000.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The Wolves opened the 1999–2000 regular season with two home games against the [[Sacramento Kings]] at the [[Tokyo Dome]] on November 6 and 7.

In the summer of 2000, guard [[Malik Sealy]] was killed in a car accident by a drunk driver. Sealy's number has since been retired: the number 2 jersey memorialized with Sealy's name on a banner hanging from the rafters of Target Center. It remains the only number retired by the team.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/2008-03-30-2196930303_x.htm | work=USA Today | title=Driver convicted in Malik Sealy death arrested again for DWI | date=March 30, 2008 | access-date=May 12, 2010 | archive-date=January 30, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120130183322/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/2008-03-30-2196930303_x.htm | url-status=live }}</ref>

Also in that season, a free agent deal signed by [[Joe Smith (basketball)|Joe Smith]] was voided by the NBA, who ruled that the Timberwolves violated proper procedure in signing the contract. The league stripped the Timberwolves of five draft picks (first round 2001–2005), but it was eventually reduced to three first-round picks (2001, 2002, and 2004). The league also fined the Timberwolves $3.5 million and suspended general manager Kevin McHale for one year. Smith eventually signed with the [[Detroit Pistons]] before re-signing with the Timberwolves in 2001. Despite those setbacks, the Timberwolves made the playoffs for the fifth straight season with a 47–35 record.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/MIN/2001.html |title=2000-01 Minnesota Timberwolves Roster and Stats |publisher=Basketball-Reference.com |access-date=March 22, 2013 |archive-date=April 4, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130404095722/http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/MIN/2001.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In the playoffs, the Timberwolves were eliminated in the first round again by the [[San Antonio Spurs]] in four games in the spring of 2001.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/2001/playoffs/#null |title=CNNSI.com - 2001 NBA Playoffs |magazine=Sports Illustrated |access-date=March 22, 2013 |archive-date=October 21, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021024729/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/2001/playoffs/#null |url-status=dead }}</ref>

A number of newcomers arrived prior to the start of the next season, including [[Gary Trent]], [[Loren Woods]] and [[Maurice Evans (basketball)|Maurice Evans]] and the return of [[Joe Smith (basketball)|Joe Smith]]. The Timberwolves started the season by winning their first six games and went on to achieve a franchise-best start of 30–10. The Timberwolves had a franchise-record 53-point win over [[Chicago Bulls|Chicago]] in November. They finished with a 50–32 record: their second-ever 50-win season that was highlighted by another All-Star appearance by Garnett and a breakout season by [[Wally Szczerbiak]], who earned his first All-Star appearance. Once again, Minnesota lost in the first round of the playoffs, where they were swept by the [[Dallas Mavericks]] in three straight games.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_2002.html |title=2002 NBA Playoffs Summary |publisher=Basketball-Reference.com |access-date=March 22, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130922012146/http://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_2002.html |archive-date=September 22, 2013 }}</ref>

The [[2002–03 NBA season|2002–03 season]] seemed to look up for the Timberwolves. Garnett had a great season where he finished second in [[Most Valuable Player|MVP]] voting with 23.0 points per game and 13.4 rebounds per game and the Timberwolves finished in third place with a 51–31 record. As a result, they were awarded home-court advantage for the first time when facing the three-time defending champion [[Los Angeles Lakers]]. After losing at home in Game 1, the Timberwolves had a chance to take a 3–1 series lead heading into the 4th quarter of Game 4 in Los Angeles, but the Lakers came back to win the game and eventually won the series in six games. In the end, the Timberwolves were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs for the seventh straight year.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/playoffs2003/ |title=PLAYOFFS 2003 |work=NBA.com |access-date=March 22, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107233033/http://www.nba.com/playoffs2003/ |archive-date=November 7, 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

====2003–04 season: Western Conference finals appearance====
In 2003, [[Rob Babcock]] was promoted to vice-president of player personnel. He and general manager [[Kevin McHale (basketball)|Kevin McHale]] made a series of strong off-season moves in an attempt to get the team over the hump and beyond the first round of the playoffs. They made two important trades, sending away forward [[Joe Smith (basketball)|Joe Smith]] and guard [[Terrell Brandon]] in a multi-player deal for [[Ervin Johnson]], [[Sam Cassell]] and embattled guard [[Latrell Sprewell]]. They also signed sharp-shooter [[Fred Hoiberg]], and former first overall pick [[Michael Olowokandi]] as free agents, with both becoming key contributors during the season. The Timberwolves rounded out their bench by signing veteran role players [[Trenton Hassell]], [[Troy Hudson]], and [[Mark Madsen (basketball)|Mark Madsen]].

Despite injuries to a revitalized Olowokandi (who missed half the season) and 6th man [[Wally Szczerbiak]] (who only played in 28 games), the revamped Timberwolves became the team to beat during the [[2003–04 NBA season]], finishing the season as the top seed in the Western Conference with a record of 58–24. Garnett had his best season to date, and both Sprewell and Cassell had career years as well. Garnett and Cassell both made [[2004 NBA All-Star Game|the all-star team]], and after the season, Garnett was named [[All-NBA Team|1st Team All NBA]], and earned his first [[NBA Most Valuable Player Award|MVP award]] averaging 24.2 points, 13.9 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/MIN/2004.html |title=2003-04 Minnesota Timberwolves Roster and Stats |publisher=Basketball-Reference.com |access-date=March 22, 2013 |archive-date=January 21, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190121111233/https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/MIN/2004.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

During the [[2004 NBA playoffs]], the Wolves won their first-ever playoff series against the [[Denver Nuggets]], before beating the [[Sacramento Kings]] in a hard-fought seven-game series to advance to the franchise's first Western Conference finals. [[Kevin Garnett]] leapt upon the scorer's table upon the winning Game 7 in the Sacramento series, which became one of the more iconic moments in Minnesota sports history. The Timberwolves' run ended in the Western Conference finals as the team lost to the [[Los Angeles Lakers]]. [[Sam Cassell]] injured his groin during Game 7 against the Kings, doing his infamous ''big balls'' dance after knocking down the series-clinching bucket, and as a result, played only sparingly during the Lakers series. Many around the NBA, including both [[Flip Saunders]] and [[Phil Jackson]] believe that had he been healthy, the Wolves would have advanced to the finals.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sam Cassell's Big Balls Dance cost Timberwolves a title, says Flip Saunders |date=November 4, 2014 |url=https://www.sbnation.com/nba/2014/11/4/7154423/sam-cassell-dance-flip-saunders-kevin-martin-timberwolves |publisher=SB Nation |access-date=May 20, 2019 |archive-date=September 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180919054211/https://www.sbnation.com/nba/2014/11/4/7154423/sam-cassell-dance-flip-saunders-kevin-martin-timberwolves |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Sam Cassell doesn't like seeing guys fined for the Sam Cassell dance |date=November 15, 2013 |url=http://nba.nbcsports.com/2013/11/14/sam-cassell-doesnt-like-seeing-guys-fined-for-the-sam-cassell-dance/ |publisher=NBC Sports |access-date=May 20, 2019 |archive-date=February 9, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209032837/https://nba.nbcsports.com/2013/11/14/sam-cassell-doesnt-like-seeing-guys-fined-for-the-sam-cassell-dance/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

====Departure of Flip Saunders====
[[File:012308-TC-Twolves001.jpg|thumb|240px|right|The Timberwolves conduct pre-game warm-ups at their home Arena, the [[Target Center]]]]
Going into the [[2004–05 NBA season|2004–05 season]], the Wolves roster remained virtually the same from the previous season; however, Babcock left to become the general manager of the [[Toronto Raptors]], and the team was also plagued with contract disputes and the complaining of key players [[Latrell Sprewell]], [[Sam Cassell]], and [[Troy Hudson]] during the off-season. After a disappointing start to the season, head coach [[Flip Saunders]] was replaced by general manager and long-time friend [[Kevin McHale (basketball)|Kevin McHale]], who took over as coach for the rest of the season. Despite a strong finish, the Timberwolves missed the playoffs for the first time in eight years, by one game, to the [[Memphis Grizzlies]], ending the season with a record of 44–38.

During the 2005 off-season, McHale and the Wolves started their search for a head coach. McHale interviewed [[Seattle SuperSonics]] assistant coach [[Dwane Casey]], [[San Antonio Spurs]] assistant [[P. J. Carlesimo]], former coach [[John Harding Lucas II|John Lucas]] and Wolves assistants [[Randy Wittman]], [[Sidney Lowe]] and [[Jerry Sichting]], among others.

On June 17, 2005, the Timberwolves hired Casey as the new head coach. It was Casey's first head coaching job, making him the Wolves' seventh head coach in their 16-year history.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/coaches/caseydw99c.html |title=Dwane Casey NBA & ABA Basketball Coaching Record |publisher=Basketball-Reference.com |date=April 17, 1957 |access-date=March 22, 2013 |archive-date=August 15, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110815174214/http://www.basketball-reference.com/coaches/caseydw99c.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

In the [[2005 NBA draft|2005 draft]], the Timberwolves selected [[Rashad McCants]], a shooting guard from [[North Carolina Tar Heels men's basketball|North Carolina]] with the 14th overall pick of the first round.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/draft2005/board.html |title=NBA Draft Board |work=NBA.com |access-date=March 22, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160112180549/http://www.nba.com/draft2005/board.html |archive-date=January 12, 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The Timberwolves also selected [[Bracey Wright]], a guard from [[Indiana University (Bloomington)|Indiana]], with the 17th pick of the second round (47th overall).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://nbadraft.net/nba_draft_history/2005.html |title=2005 NBA Draft |publisher=NBADraft.net |access-date=March 22, 2013 |archive-date=March 25, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130325033637/http://www.nbadraft.net/nba_draft_history/2005.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

During the off-season, they traded All-Star [[Sam Cassell]] and a protected future first-round draft pick to the [[Los Angeles Clippers]] for [[Marko Jarić]] and [[Lionel Chalmers]]. They also signed free agent [[Nikoloz Tskitishvili]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/t/tskitni01.html |title=Nikoloz Tskitishvili NBA & ABA Stats |publisher=Basketball-Reference.com |access-date=March 22, 2013 |archive-date=April 4, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130404042334/http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/t/tskitni01.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

On January 26, 2006, the Wolves traded forward [[Wally Szczerbiak]], centers [[Dwayne Jones (basketball player)|Dwayne Jones]] and [[Michael Olowokandi]], and a future first-round draft pick to the [[Boston Celtics]]. In return, they received forward-guard [[Ricky Davis]], center [[Mark Blount]], forward [[Justin Reed]], guard [[Marcus Banks]], and two second-round draft picks. In a separate trade on the same day, the Timberwolves traded Tskitishvili to the [[Phoenix Suns]] for a 2006 second-round draft pick. The Timberwolves finished 33–49, missing the playoffs for the second consecutive year.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/standings/2005/team_record_comparison/conferenceNew_Std_Div.html |title=NBA.com |website=[[NBA.com]] |date=September 16, 2008 |access-date=March 22, 2013 |archive-date=February 20, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100220221928/http://www.nba.com/standings/2005/team_record_comparison/conferenceNew_Std_Div.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

In the [[2006 NBA draft]], the Timberwolves selected future [[NBA Rookie of the Year]] [[Brandon Roy]] with the 6th overall pick, [[Craig Smith (basketball, born 1983)|Craig Smith]] with the 36th pick, forward [[Bobby Jones (basketball, born 1984)|Bobby Jones]] with the 37th pick and center [[Loukas Mavrokefalidis]] with the 57th pick. The Timberwolves traded Roy to the [[Portland Trail Blazers]] for [[Randy Foye]] and cash considerations. The Timberwolves then traded [[Bobby Jones (basketball, born 1984)|Bobby Jones]] to the [[Philadelphia 76ers]] for a 2007 second-round pick and cash.

On January 23, McHale fired head coach Casey and replaced him with [[Randy Wittman]]. McHale explained in a news conference that it was inconsistency by Casey that led to the firing. Casey had compiled an overall record of 53–69. They finished the 2006–07 season with a record of 32–50, allowing them to keep their 2007 first-round pick.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/MIN/2007.html |title=2006-07 Minnesota Timberwolves Roster and Stats |publisher=Basketball-Reference.com |access-date=March 22, 2013 |archive-date=April 4, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130404102741/http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/MIN/2007.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

===2007–2010: post-Kevin Garnett era===
On July 31, 2007, the Minnesota Timberwolves reached a deal to trade All-Star [[Kevin Garnett]] to the [[Boston Celtics]] for [[Al Jefferson]], [[Theo Ratliff]], [[Gerald Green]], [[Sebastian Telfair]], [[Ryan Gomes]], two first-round draft picks, and cash considerations. This is the largest combination of players and picks ever traded for a single player in NBA history.<ref>{{cite web|title=Celtics obtain former MVP in 7-for-1 deal|url=https://www.espn.com/espn/wire?section=nba&id=2956104|website=[[ESPN]]|publisher=Associated Press|access-date=December 10, 2017|archive-date=August 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170807071940/http://www.espn.com/espn/wire?section=nba&id=2956104|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.si.com/nba/2015/07/31/boston-celtics-kevin-garnett-danny-ainge-ray-allen-paul-pierce-trade|title=How the Celtics landed Kevin Garnett and became relevant again|last=Thomsen|first=Ian|date=October 29, 2007|magazine=Sports Illustrated|access-date=June 18, 2018|archive-date=June 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618203157/https://www.si.com/nba/2015/07/31/boston-celtics-kevin-garnett-danny-ainge-ray-allen-paul-pierce-trade|url-status=live}}</ref> Garnett and the Celtics went on to win the [[2008 NBA Finals]] in six games over the Los Angeles Lakers.

That summer, the Timberwolves traded [[Mike James (basketball, born 1975)|Mike James]] and [[Justin Reed]] to the [[Houston Rockets]] for [[Juwan Howard]].<ref name="MikeJamestraded">{{cite web|author=Marc Stein|title=Rockets, Wolves finalize swap of Howard, James|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2903593|publisher=ESPN|date=June 14, 2007|access-date=June 15, 2007|archive-date=August 25, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070825031452/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2903593|url-status=live}}</ref> In October of the same year, the Timberwolves waived Howard after reaching a contractual buyout agreement, worth $10 million of roughly $14.25 million which Minnesota would have owed him. The team also traded [[Ricky Davis]] and [[Mark Blount]] to the [[Miami Heat]] in exchange for the Heat's [[Antoine Walker]], [[Michael Doleac]], [[Wayne Simien]], and a 2008 protected first-round draft pick.

In the [[2007 NBA draft]] the Timberwolves selected [[Corey Brewer]], with the 7th pick, and [[Chris Richard (basketball)|Chris Richard]] with the 41st overall pick, both being from the two-time [[NCAA]] national champion [[Florida Gators men's basketball|Florida Gators]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/draft2007/ |title=Draft 2007 |work=NBA.com |access-date=March 22, 2013 |archive-date=December 2, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101202031912/http://www.nba.com/draft2007/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Minnesota began the NBA preseason with two games in London and [[Istanbul]], as part of NBA Europe Live 2007. On October 10, The Wolves lost to Garnett and the revamped Celtics, 92–81. To start the season, the Wolves began 0–5 before ending the drought with a home win over the [[Sacramento Kings]]. That drought also brought about speculation of the possible dismissal of coach Wittman. The youngest team in the NBA began adjusting to life after trading franchise star Garnett to Boston, meanwhile playing without budding talent [[Randy Foye]] for the first half of the season. Guards [[Sebastian Telfair]] and [[Marko Jarić]] were deputized as starting point guards during Foye's injury absence. The Timberwolves finished the season 22–60.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/standings|title=2016-17 NBA Regular Season Conference Standings - National Basketball Association|website=ESPN.com|access-date=March 12, 2008|archive-date=March 19, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080319184734/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings|url-status=live}}</ref> On a handful of occasions during the season, the team showed flashes of its potential in wins or very close contests with top-tier teams.

In the [[2008 NBA draft]], the Timberwolves selected [[O. J. Mayo]] of [[USC Trojans men's basketball|USC]] with the third overall pick. When the draft concluded, the Timberwolves traded Mayo, [[Antoine Walker]], [[Greg Buckner]], and [[Marko Jarić]] to the [[Memphis Grizzlies]] in exchange for fifth overall pick [[Kevin Love]], [[Mike Miller (basketball, born 1980)|Mike Miller]], [[Jason Collins]], and [[Brian Cardinal]] in a move that [[Jim Stack]] called, "a deal we couldn't pass up."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/draft2008/news/story?id=3460866 |title=2008 NBA draft trades overview - NBA - ESPN |publisher=[[ESPN]] |date=June 27, 2008 |access-date=March 22, 2013 |archive-date=July 25, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130725202626/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/draft2008/news/story?id=3460866 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2008, in celebration of the franchise's 20th anniversary, the team unveiled an updated version of its logo and uniforms.<ref>{{cite news|title=Timberwolves Logo Undergoes Facelift|url=http://www.nba.com/timberwolves/news/timberwolves_logo_undergoes_facelift_080625.html|publisher=Minnesota Timberwolves|date=June 25, 2008|access-date=June 26, 2008|archive-date=June 30, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080630094607/http://www.nba.com/timberwolves/news/timberwolves_logo_undergoes_facelift_080625.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The new designs first appeared in the first preseason game against the [[Chicago Bulls]] at [[United Center]] on October 14, 2008. They also refurbished the floor at [[Target Center]], returning to the traditional floor pattern and added touches of varnish while exposing most of the hardwood.

On December 8, 2008, after a 23-point loss to the [[Los Angeles Clippers]] that dropped the team to 4–15, the Timberwolves fired head coach Wittman and McHale took over. McHale also relinquished his vice president of basketball operations duties. It was unclear whether McHale's future with the team was dependent on the success or progress of the team which he had put together over the previous four years.

Those questions seemed to be answered when the Timberwolves went 10–4 for the month of January, giving McHale the coach of the month honors. But on February 8, 2009, the team's main star [[Al Jefferson]] tore his [[Anterior cruciate ligament|ACL]] in his right knee in a game at [[New Orleans Hornets|New Orleans]], sidelining him for the rest of the season. At the time of the injury, Jefferson was having his best season to date, averaging 23 points, 11 rebounds and 2 blocks.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/j/jeffeal01/gamelog/2008/ |title=Al Jefferson 2007-08 Game Log |publisher=Basketball-Reference.com |access-date=March 22, 2013 |archive-date=March 12, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130312113846/http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/j/jeffeal01/gamelog/2008/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Without Jefferson and Corey Brewer (who also suffered a season-ending injury), the Wolves sputtered, to finish with a 24–58 record.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/MIN/2008.html |title=2007-08 Minnesota Timberwolves Roster and Stats |publisher=Basketball-Reference.com |access-date=March 22, 2013 |archive-date=April 5, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130405190205/http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/MIN/2008.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:Kevin Love 2.jpg|thumb|150px|right|[[Kevin Love]] became the fifth Timberwolves player to be named [[NBA All-Star]].]]
On June 17, 2009, new president of basketball operations [[David Kahn (sports executive)|David Kahn]] announced that McHale would not be returning to the team as head coach. Kahn did not give a specific reason for McHale's dismissal, only saying "this is going to be a transition period." For his part, McHale said he wanted to come back but was not offered a contract. Later, in August, the Timberwolves announced the signing of [[Kurt Rambis]], then an assistant for the [[Los Angeles Lakers]], to a four-year, $8 million contract to be their new head coach. In Rambis's first season, the team stumbled to the second-worst record in the league, as their 15–67 record was only surpassed by that of the [[New Jersey Nets]], who finished at 12–70.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/NJN/2010.html |title=2009-10 New Jersey Nets Roster and Stats |publisher=Basketball-Reference.com |access-date=March 22, 2013 |archive-date=December 4, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111204004630/http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/NJN/2010.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

===2010–2014: the Timberwolves Process era===
On July 12, 2010, Minnesota traded for [[Miami Heat]] forward [[Michael Beasley]], the second pick from the [[2008 NBA draft]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=5365794|title=Sources: Heat clear space, deal Beasley|date=July 9, 2010|publisher=ESPN|access-date=July 9, 2010|archive-date=July 10, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100710174458/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=5365794|url-status=live}}</ref>
In a locally untelevised game on November 12, 2010, Kevin Love grabbed a franchise-record 31 rebounds and scored 31 points in a win over the [[New York Knicks]], the NBA's first 30–30 game in 28 years.<ref name="KevinLove30-30">{{cite news|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=301112016|title=Kevin Love posts NBA's 1st 30–30 game in 28 years as Knicks fade in 4th|date=November 12, 2010|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|access-date=November 13, 2010|archive-date=November 14, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101114062638/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=301112016|url-status=dead}}</ref>
Love was later named an [[2010 NBA All-Star Game|All Star]] for the 2010–11 NBA season, the franchise's first All Star selection since Kevin Garnett in 2007. Love would later break Garnett's team record of 37 straight double-doubles on February 8, 2011, in a win over the [[Houston Rockets]]. On March 8, 2011, Love acquired his 52nd straight double-double, surpassing the mark of [[Moses Malone]] for the most consecutive double-doubles since the NBA-ABA merger in a win over the [[Indiana Pacers]]. The streak eventually reached 53 games and came to an end with a six-point, 12-rebound performance in a 100–77 loss to the [[Golden State Warriors]] on March 13. In October 2011, Love was ranked 16th among active players by [[ESPN]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.canishoopus.com/2011/10/16/2494981/espn-kevin-love-is-the-16th-best-player-in-nba |title=ESPN: Kevin Love is the 16th best player in NBA |date=October 16, 2011 |publisher=Canis Hoopus |access-date=March 22, 2013 |archive-date=August 31, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130831002159/http://www.canishoopus.com/2011/10/16/2494981/espn-kevin-love-is-the-16th-best-player-in-nba |url-status=live }}</ref>

On February 21, 2011, [[Corey Brewer]] and [[Kosta Koufos]] were traded to the [[New York Knicks]] and [[Denver Nuggets]] respectively for Knicks [[Anthony Randolph]] and [[Eddy Curry]] (plus $3 million in cash from New York and a 2015 second-round draft pick from Denver) as part of a larger trade that sent all-star [[Carmelo Anthony]] from Denver to New York.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.startribune.com/sports/wolves/116706764.html |title=Wolves say hello, say goodbye |publisher=StarTribune.com |access-date=March 22, 2013 |archive-date=October 15, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121015151500/http://www.startribune.com/sports/wolves/116706764.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

On the downside, with a 121–102 loss to the [[Houston Rockets]], the Timberwolves fell to 17–65, finishing last in the Western Conference for the second straight year. They also clinched the [[2010–11 NBA season]]'s worst record. During the off-season, the Timberwolves were finally able to bring [[2009 NBA draft|2009]] fifth overall pick [[Ricky Rubio]] over from Spain. In the [[2011 NBA draft]], with the second overall pick, the Timberwolves selected [[Derrick Williams (basketball)|Derrick Williams]] of [[Arizona Wildcats men's basketball|Arizona]]. The Timberwolves then traded guard [[Jonny Flynn]] and the draft rights to [[Donatas Motiejūnas]] (No. 20) to the [[Houston Rockets]] for center [[Brad Miller (basketball)|Brad Miller]], the draft rights to [[Nikola Mirotić]] (No. 23), [[Chandler Parsons]] (No. 38) and a future first-round pick. The Timberwolves traded Mirotic's rights to the [[Chicago Bulls]] for the rights to [[Norris Cole (basketball)|Norris Cole]] (No. 28) and [[Malcolm Lee (basketball)|Malcolm Lee]] (No. 43). The Timberwolves then sold the rights to Parsons back to the Rockets. The Timberwolves traded [[Norris Cole]] (No. 28) to the [[Miami Heat]] for the draft rights to [[Bojan Bogdanovic]] (No. 31), a future second-round pick and cash considerations. The Timberwolves then traded Bogdanovic's rights to the [[New Jersey Nets]] for a future second-rounder and cash. The Trail Blazers traded the draft rights to [[Tanguy Ngombo]] (No. 57) to the Timberwolves.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.asiabasketballupdate.com/1/post/2011/6/targuy-ngombo-qatars-nba-hopeful.html|title=Targuy Ngombo – Qatar's NBA Hopeful???|date=June 21, 2011|publisher=Asia Basketball Update|access-date=March 22, 2013|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130307162758/http://www.asiabasketballupdate.com/1/post/2011/6/targuy-ngombo-qatars-nba-hopeful.html|archive-date=March 7, 2013}}</ref>

On July 12, 2011, [[Kurt Rambis]] was fired as coach of the team after compiling a 32–132 record in two seasons with the team. On September 13, 2011, the team announced that they had hired [[Rick Adelman]] to be the team's new head coach.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/twolves/story/2011-09-13/timberwolves-rick-adelman-coach/50390774/1 | work=USA Today | title=Most Popular E-mail Newsletter | date=September 13, 2011 | access-date=September 5, 2017 | archive-date=March 8, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308045344/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/twolves/story/2011-09-13/timberwolves-rick-adelman-coach/50390774/1 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Arnovitz|first=Kevin|title=The book on Rick Adelman|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/54281/the-book-on-rick-adelman|publisher=[[ESPN]]|date=February 6, 2013|access-date=December 13, 2016|archive-date=May 22, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150522003252/http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/54281/the-book-on-rick-adelman|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Timberwolves began the [[2011–12 NBA season]] with a 17–17 record before the [[All-Star]] break.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/timberwolves/news/gamerecap_wolves_jazz_2012_02_22.html |title=Ridnour's Buzzer Beater Sends Wolves Past Jazz, 100-98 |publisher=National Basketball Association |date=February 22, 2012 |access-date=March 22, 2013 |archive-date=September 28, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928124355/http://www.nba.com/timberwolves/news/gamerecap_wolves_jazz_2012_02_22.html |url-status=live }}</ref> On March 9, 2012, Rubio tore his left [[Anterior cruciate ligament|ACL]] and [[Fibular collateral ligament|LCL]] in a collision with [[Kobe Bryant]]. The injury ended his season and severely hurt the Timberwolves' chances of making the playoffs. Despite being in contention at mid-season, the team ultimately failed to reach the postseason for the eighth straight year due to injuries to a number of key players.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.foxsportsnorth.com/04/12/12/Concussion-holds-Love-out-against-Clippe/landing_timberwolves.html?blockID=708122&feedID=5930 |title=Concussion holds Love out against Clippers |publisher=Foxsportsnorth.com |date=April 12, 2012 |access-date=March 22, 2013 |archive-date=March 6, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306022420/http://www.foxsportsnorth.com/04/12/12/Concussion-holds-Love-out-against-Clippe/landing_timberwolves.html?blockID=708122&feedID=5930 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Timberwolves' Ricky Rubio faces 'long process' in injury recovery|url=http://www.twincities.com/sports/ci_20365086/timberwolves-ricky-rubio-faces-long-process-injury-recovery|newspaper=[[St. Paul Pioneer Press]]|date=April 9, 2012|access-date=June 30, 2016|archive-date=July 1, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120701133820/http://www.twincities.com/sports/ci_20365086/timberwolves-ricky-rubio-faces-long-process-injury-recovery|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.foxsportsnorth.com/04/12/12/Wolves-officially-eliminated-from-postse/landing_timberwolves.html?blockID=708360&feedID=5930 |title=Wolves officially eliminated from postseason |publisher=Foxsportsnorth.com |date=April 12, 2012 |access-date=March 22, 2013 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304060635/http://www.foxsportsnorth.com/04/12/12/Wolves-officially-eliminated-from-postse/landing_timberwolves.html?blockID=708360&feedID=5930 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The team finished with a record of 26–40, with the only win of the team's final 14 games coming against the [[Detroit Pistons]]. The team traded the 18th overall pick of the [[2012 NBA draft]] to the [[Houston Rockets]] for [[Chase Budinger]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.foxsportsnorth.com/06/26/12/Wolves-trade-No-18-pick-for-Budinger/landing_timberwolves.html?blockID=751990&feedID=10354|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130124131208/http://www.foxsportsnorth.com/06/26/12/Wolves-trade-No-18-pick-for-Budinger/landing_timberwolves.html?blockID=751990&feedID=10354|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 24, 2013|title=T-Wolves trade pick to Rockets for Budinger|date=June 26, 2012|publisher=Foxsportsnorth.com|access-date=March 22, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/draft2012/story/_/id/8097233/minnesota-timberwolves-send-18th-pick-houston-rockets-sources-say|title=Minnesota Timberwolves send 18th pick to Houston Rockets for Chase Budinger, rights to Lior Eliyahu – ESPN|date=June 26, 2012|publisher=Espn.go.com|access-date=March 22, 2013|archive-date=September 28, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928092412/http://espn.go.com/nba/draft2012/story/_/id/8097233/minnesota-timberwolves-send-18th-pick-houston-rockets-sources-say|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.1500espn.com/sportswire/Report_Wolves_agree_to_trade_pick_to_Houston_for_Chase_Budinger062612|title=Report: Wolves trade No. 18 pick to Houston for Chase Budinger |date=June 26, 2012|publisher=1500espn.com|access-date=March 22, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120913060651/http://www.1500espn.com/sportswire/Report_Wolves_agree_to_trade_pick_to_Houston_for_Chase_Budinger062612|archive-date=September 13, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2012/06/26/ap-source-timberwolves-trade-18th-pick-for-budinger/|title=AP Source: Timberwolves Trade 18th Pick For Budinger « CBS Minnesota|date=June 26, 2012|publisher=Minnesota.cbslocal.com|access-date=March 22, 2013|archive-date=June 20, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130620013639/http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2012/06/26/ap-source-timberwolves-trade-18th-pick-for-budinger/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On June 26, 2012, the Timberwolves selected [[Robbie Hummel]] with the 58th overall pick, the team's only selection during the draft.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://insider.espn.com/nba/draft/results/player/_/id/19243/robbie-hummel |title=Robbie Hummel 2012 NBA Draft Profile - ESPN |publisher=[[ESPN]] |date=March 8, 1989 |access-date=March 22, 2013 |archive-date=September 28, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928091226/http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/draft/results/player/_/id/19243/robbie-hummel |url-status=live }}</ref> During the off-season, the team signed former Timberwolves draft pick [[Brandon Roy]] to a two-year, $10 million contract.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/brandon-roy-expects-start-play-high-level-224457080--nba.html|title=Brandon Roy expects to start, play at a high level|last=Freeman|first=Eric|date=May 30, 2012|publisher=Sports.yahoo.com|access-date=March 22, 2013|archive-date=September 28, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928170419/http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/brandon-roy-expects-start-play-high-level-224457080--nba.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The deal was announced on July 31.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/timberwolves/news/wolves-sign-3-time-nba-all-star-brandon-roy |title=Wolves Sign 3-Time NBA All-Star Brandon Roy |work=Nba.com |access-date=March 22, 2013 |archive-date=August 1, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120801172759/http://www.nba.com/timberwolves/news/wolves-sign-3-time-nba-all-star-brandon-roy |url-status=live }}</ref> With the inclusion of Roy in the shooting guard position, players that also signed during the off-season included [[Andrei Kirilenko]], [[Alexey Shved]] and [[Louis Amundson]]. While technically in playoff contention early, multiple injuries began to plague the team. Roy, Budinger, Lee and free-agent signing [[Josh Howard]] succumbed to knee injuries. The mood of despair was shortly lifted by the splashy return of Rubio.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/twolves/2012/12/15/minnesota-timberwolves-vs-dallas-mavericks-ricky-rubio-returns/1772275/ |title=Ricky Rubio's return sparks Timberwolves past Mavericks |newspaper=USAToday.com |date=December 16, 2012 |access-date=April 17, 2013 |archive-date=January 8, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130108104100/http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/twolves/2012/12/15/minnesota-timberwolves-vs-dallas-mavericks-ricky-rubio-returns/1772275/ |url-status=live }}</ref> But not long after, Love, who missed the first nine games of the season after fracturing the third and fourth metacarpals in his right hand in a preseason home workout, suffered a recurrence of the injury in a win over the [[Denver Nuggets]] on January 3.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nba.si.com/2013/01/09/kevin-love-hand-injury-surgery-timberwolves/|title=Kevin Love: Minnesota Timberwolves star to miss 8-10 weeks with injury|date=January 9, 2013|publisher=Nba.si.com|access-date=March 22, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130330053009/http://nba.si.com/2013/01/09/kevin-love-hand-injury-surgery-timberwolves/|archive-date=March 30, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> One of the few highlights in the second half of the season was Rubio's triple-double performance during a surprising win over the then-first place [[San Antonio Spurs]], albeit without Spurs stars Tony Parker and Tim Duncan playing due to injury.<ref>{{cite web |author=Target Center, Minneapolis |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400278674 |title=San Antonio Spurs vs. Minnesota Timberwolves - Recap - March 12, 2013 - ESPN |publisher=[[ESPN]] |date=March 12, 2013 |access-date=March 22, 2013 |archive-date=March 16, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130316031444/http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=400278674 |url-status=live }}</ref> On April 6, in a game against the Detroit Pistons, Adelman won his 1000th game as a head coach.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400278861|title=Pistons vs. Timberwolves - Game Recap - April 6, 2013 - ESPN|website=ESPN.com|access-date=April 7, 2013|archive-date=May 9, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130509061649/http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=400278861|url-status=live}}</ref> This season marked the first time the franchise had won at least 30 games without [[Kevin Garnett]] on the roster.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400278913|title=Suns vs. Timberwolves - Game Recap - April 13, 2013 - ESPN|website=ESPN.com|access-date=April 14, 2013|archive-date=April 17, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130417075512/http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=400278913|url-status=live}}</ref> The team decided to part ways with [[David Kahn (sports executive)|David Kahn]] after the season ended, with [[Flip Saunders]] being brought in to replace him.<ref>{{cite news|title=Flip Saunders returning to Timberwolves|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/twolves/2013/05/03/flip-saunders-returning-to-timberwolves/2132815/|newspaper=[[USA Today]]|date=May 3, 2013|access-date=December 13, 2016|archive-date=August 19, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170819213759/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/twolves/2013/05/03/flip-saunders-returning-to-timberwolves/2132815/|url-status=live}}</ref> In the [[2013 NBA draft]], the team traded the 9th overall pick [[Trey Burke]] for [[Shabazz Muhammad]] (14th pick) and [[Gorgui Dieng]] (21st pick) in the first round from the Utah Jazz.<ref>{{cite news|last=Ervin|first=Phil|title=Wolves land Muhammad, Dieng in deal with Jazz|url=http://www.foxsports.com/north/story/wolves-land-muhammad-dieng-in-deal-with-jazz-062713|publisher=[[Fox Sports North]]|date=June 27, 2013|access-date=December 13, 2016|archive-date=March 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220310045927/https://www.foxsports.com/north/story/wolves-land-muhammad-dieng-in-deal-with-jazz-062713|url-status=live}}</ref>

On March 28, 2014, the Timberwolves set a franchise record for points in a regular season game with a 143–107 win over the Los Angeles Lakers. The win also marked the Timberwolves' first season-series win over the Lakers since the 2005–06 season.<ref>{{cite news|last=Kapsner|first=Peter|title=Notebook: Wolves 143, Lakers 107|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20140328/LALMIN/gameinfo.html|publisher=National Basketball Association|date=March 29, 2014|access-date=December 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150508172908/http://www.nba.com/games/20140328/LALMIN/gameinfo.html|archive-date=May 8, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> The team accumulated 40 wins for the first time since the [[2004–05 NBA season|2004–05 season]], but missed the playoffs for the tenth consecutive year, despite holding the league's highest point differential at the end of the season.<ref>{{cite news|last=Reusse|first=Patrick|title=Reusse: Wolves' season shriveled into list of unmet goals|url=http://www.startribune.com/sports/wolves/255596901.html|newspaper=[[Star Tribune]]|date=April 17, 2014|access-date=December 13, 2016|archive-date=March 31, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150331111943/http://www.startribune.com/sports/wolves/255596901.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On April 21, 2014, [[Rick Adelman]] announced his retirement from coaching in the NBA. Adelman acquired a 97–133 record in three seasons with the team.

====2014–2015: the arrival of Andrew Wiggins and Zach LaVine====
[[File:KGsReturnToMN2015.JPG|left|thumb|200px|Kevin Garnett's first game back with the Timberwolves in 2015.]]
On August 23, 2014, the Timberwolves, [[Cleveland Cavaliers]], and [[Philadelphia 76ers]] agreed on a three-way trade that would send [[Kevin Love]] to the Cavaliers to join [[LeBron James]] and [[Kyrie Irving]]. Minnesota received [[Andrew Wiggins]], [[Anthony Bennett (basketball)|Anthony Bennett]], [[Thaddeus Young]], and a trade exception as part of the deal. The 76ers received [[Alexey Shved]], [[Luc Mbah a Moute]], and a 2015 first-round pick via the [[Miami Heat]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Rick Adelman to announce retirement|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/rick-adelman-announce-retirement/story?id=23406853|publisher=[[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]]|date=April 21, 2014|access-date=December 13, 2016|archive-date=April 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160416061212/http://abcnews.go.com/Sports/rick-adelman-announce-retirement/story?id=23406853|url-status=live}}</ref>

The [[2014–15 NBA season|2014–15 season]] marked a new era for the Timberwolves, beginning with the [[Kevin Love]] trade. [[Flip Saunders]] was promoted to head coach, making it his second stint with the Timberwolves after coaching the team from 1995 to 2005. The Timberwolves started the new season with a 105–101 loss to the [[Memphis Grizzlies]], with Wiggins making his debut. The team recorded its first win the following game, a 97–91 victory over the [[Detroit Pistons]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Mayo|first=David|title=Timberwolves 97, Pistons 91: Sizzling fourth-quarter rally fizzles at Minnesota|url=http://www.mlive.com/pistons/index.ssf/2014/10/pistons-timberwolves_gamer.html|publisher=[[Booth Newspapers]]|date=October 30, 2014|access-date=December 13, 2016|archive-date=March 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305203920/http://www.mlive.com/pistons/index.ssf/2014/10/pistons-timberwolves_gamer.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On November 12, 2014, the Timberwolves played an international home game at [[Mexico City Arena]] against the [[Houston Rockets]]. The Timberwolves had a 16–66 record for the season and missed the playoffs for the 11th consecutive year.

Despite this, Wiggins was selected as the [[NBA Rookie of the Year]], the first player in franchise history to be so honored. Draft pick [[Zach LaVine]] gained league notoriety after winning the [[Slam Dunk Contest]]. LaVine and Wiggins, dubbed "The Bounce Brothers", were seen as being the future of the franchise.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2233506-wolves-rookies-andrew-wiggins-and-zach-lavine-dub-themselves-bounce-brothers|title=Wolves rookies Andrew Wiggins and Zach LaVine dub themselves "Bounce Brothers"|website=[[Bleacher Report]]|access-date=May 13, 2015|archive-date=May 18, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518213417/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2233506-wolves-rookies-andrew-wiggins-and-zach-lavine-dub-themselves-bounce-brothers|url-status=live}}</ref>

{{multiple image
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}}

===2015–2020: the Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins era===

====2015–2016: the arrival of Karl-Anthony Towns====
Due to having the worst record in the NBA for the 2014–15 season, the Timberwolves had the highest chance, at 25%, to receive the first pick in the [[2015 NBA draft]] at the 2015 NBA draft lottery. On May 19, the Timberwolves received the first overall pick in the 2015 NBA draft for the first time in franchise history. On June 25, the Timberwolves selected [[Karl-Anthony Towns]] as the number one pick and acquired Minnesota's own [[Tyus Jones]] through a trade with the [[Cleveland Cavaliers]].

The 2014–15 season also saw the return of Kevin Garnett. In February 2015, Garnett, at the time with the [[Brooklyn Nets]], waived his no-trade clause to enable a trade back to Minnesota which sent [[Thaddeus Young]] to Brooklyn. In his first game back, Garnett resumed wearing the No. 21 jersey that had not been worn by any other Timberwolves player since his departure and the team defeated the [[Washington Wizards]] 97–77 at the Target Center.

On June 6, 2014, [[Flip Saunders]] was named the head coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves, returning to the franchise for a second stint.<ref>{{cite news|title=Flip Saunders Named Timberwolves Head Coach|url=http://www.nba.com/timberwolves/news/flip-saunders-named-timberwolves-head-coach|publisher=Minnesota Timberwolves|date=June 6, 2014|access-date=December 13, 2016|archive-date=October 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171023041232/http://www.nba.com/timberwolves/news/flip-saunders-named-timberwolves-head-coach|url-status=live}}</ref> During his second stint with the Timberwolves, Saunders was diagnosed with [[Hodgkin's lymphoma]]. As a result, during his recovery, he would delegate his coaching position over to assistant coach and former [[NBA Coach of the Year]] winner [[Sam Mitchell (basketball)|Sam Mitchell]]. On October 25, 2015, Saunders died at age 60. Mitchell took over as head coach. In honor of Saunders, the team announced that they would wear a patch reading "FLIP" on their uniforms for the duration of the 2015–16 season.<ref>{{cite press release|title=Timberwolves to Wear Commemorative Patch in Honor of Flip Saunders|url=http://www.nba.com/timberwolves/news/timberwolves-wear-commemorative-patch-honor-flip-saunders|publisher=Minnesota Timberwolves|date=October 27, 2015|access-date=December 13, 2016|archive-date=January 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170109210640/http://www.nba.com/timberwolves/news/timberwolves-wear-commemorative-patch-honor-flip-saunders|url-status=live}}</ref>

====2016–2019: the Tom Thibodeau saga====
{{multiple image
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}}
On April 20, 2016, the Timberwolves agreed to sign [[Tom Thibodeau]] to be their head coach and president of basketball operations. He was previously an assistant coach for the team from 1989 to 1991.<ref name="Thibodeau-Wolves">{{cite news|title=Minnesota Timberwolves Agree to Terms with Tom Thibodeau and Scott Layden|url=http://www.nba.com/timberwolves/minnesota-timberwolves-agree-terms-tom-thibodeau-and-scott-layden|publisher=Minnesota Timberwolves|date=April 20, 2016|access-date=June 30, 2016|archive-date=June 27, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160627182457/http://www.nba.com/timberwolves/minnesota-timberwolves-agree-terms-tom-thibodeau-and-scott-layden|url-status=live}}</ref> On September 23, 2016, Kevin Garnett announced his retirement after 21 seasons in the NBA. He expressed interest in playing one more year for the Timberwolves but felt that his knees would be unable to hold up for the duration of the season. The Timberwolves ended their season with a 31–51 record, having only a two-game improvement from their previous season.

====2018: the arrival of Jimmy Butler and the return to the playoffs====
[[File:Derrick Roooose.jpg|left|thumb|[[Derrick Rose]] warming up with the Timberwolves.]]
On June 22, 2017, the Timberwolves acquired [[Jimmy Butler]] and the 16th overall pick in the [[2017 NBA draft|2017 draft]] in trade for Zach Lavine, Kris Dunn and the 7th overall pick in the draft (used to select [[Lauri Markkanen]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.startribune.com/timberwolves-trade-zach-lavine-kris-dunn-no-7-pick-to-bulls-for-jimmy-butler/430241303/|title=Timberwolves trade Zach LaVine, Kris Dunn, No. 7 pick to Bulls for Jimmy Butler|website=[[Star Tribune]]|date=June 23, 2017 |access-date=June 23, 2017|archive-date=October 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181005183519/http://www.startribune.com/timberwolves-trade-zach-lavine-kris-dunn-no-7-pick-to-bulls-for-jimmy-butler/430241303/|url-status=live}}</ref> This trade marked the end of the LaVine and Wiggins duo, dubbed "Bounce Brothers". Later that night, the Timberwolves selected center [[Justin Patton]] with the 16th overall pick in the draft. Later, the team added [[Taj Gibson]], [[Jeff Teague]], [[Jamal Crawford]] and [[Derrick Rose]] during free agency. The Timberwolves ended their season with a 47–35 record, which became the first winning season since the [[2004–05 NBA season|2004–05 season]], and secured the last spot in the playoffs on the final day of the regular season with a 112–106 win over the [[Denver Nuggets]]. The 2017–18 season also ended the longest streak without a playoff appearance at 13 seasons. The Timberwolves would be eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Houston Rockets in five games.

On November 12, 2018, the Timberwolves traded Butler and [[Justin Patton]] to the [[Philadelphia 76ers]] in exchange for [[Robert Covington]], [[Dario Šarić]], [[Jerryd Bayless]] and a 2022 second-round draft pick.<ref>{{cite web |title=Minnesota Timberwolves Acquire Robert Covington, Dario Šarić, Jerryd Bayless and a Future Second-Round Draft Pick from Philadelphia |url=https://www.nba.com/timberwolves/news/minnesota-timberwolves-acquire-robert-covington-dario-saric-jerryd-bayless-and-future-second |website=NBA.com |access-date=November 13, 2018 |date=November 12, 2018 |archive-date=November 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108093337/https://www.nba.com/timberwolves/news/minnesota-timberwolves-acquire-robert-covington-dario-saric-jerryd-bayless-and-future-second |url-status=live }}</ref> On January 6, 2019, Thibodeau was fired as head coach and president of basketball operations. After Thibodeau's firing, it was announced that [[Ryan Saunders]] would serve as interim head coach until a permanent head coach is found.<ref>{{cite web|title=Timberwolves Relieve Tom Thibodeau of his Duties|url=https://www.nba.com/timberwolves/news/timberwolves-relieve-tom-thibodeau-duties|website=NBA.com|access-date=January 6, 2019|date=January 6, 2019|archive-date=October 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021050412/https://www.nba.com/timberwolves/news/timberwolves-relieve-tom-thibodeau-duties|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:Anthony Edwards Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (51734745028) (cropped) (cropped).jpg|thumb|Anthony Edwards was selected 1st overall in the 2020 draft and led the Wolves to their second ever Conference Final]]

===2020–present: the Anthony Edwards era and new ownership===

====2020–2024: Edwards and Towns duo====
On May 1, it was announced that the Timberwolves had hired [[Gersson Rosas]], who previously served as the [[Houston Rockets]]' executive vice president of basketball operations, as their new president of basketball operations.<ref>{{cite web |title=Minnesota Timberwolves Name Gersson Rosas as President of Basketball Operations |url=https://www.nba.com/timberwolves/news/minnesota-timberwolves-name-gersson-rosas-president-basketball-operations |website=NBA.com |access-date=May 11, 2019 |date=May 3, 2019 |archive-date=May 11, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190511093556/https://www.nba.com/timberwolves/news/minnesota-timberwolves-name-gersson-rosas-president-basketball-operations |url-status=live }}</ref> On May 20, after conducting interviews with several candidates, the Timberwolves announced that Ryan Saunders had been hired to a multi-year deal to become the team's permanent head coach, removing his "interim" status.<ref>{{cite web |title=Minnesota Timberwolves Name Ryan Saunders Head Coach |url=https://www.nba.com/timberwolves/news/minnesota-timberwolves-name-ryan-saunders-head-coach |website=NBA.com |access-date=May 21, 2019 |date=May 20, 2019 |archive-date=May 20, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190520230551/https://www.nba.com/timberwolves/news/minnesota-timberwolves-name-ryan-saunders-head-coach |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Blackburn |first1=Pete |title=Minnesota Timberwolves make Ryan Saunders, 33, the NBA's youngest head coach |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/minnesota-timberwolves-make-ryan-saunders-33-the-nbas-youngest-head-coach/ |website=CBSSports.com |access-date=May 21, 2019 |date=May 20, 2019 |archive-date=May 21, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190521060919/https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/minnesota-timberwolves-make-ryan-saunders-33-the-nbas-youngest-head-coach/ |url-status=live }}</ref> With Rosas' hiring, the Timberwolves also made several front office changes in the organization. The Timberwolves held both a first- and second-round draft pick in the [[2019 NBA draft]]. The 11th pick (which was [[Cameron Johnson]]) along with [[Dario Šarić]] was traded to the Suns in exchange for the 6th pick in [[Jarrett Culver]], a small forward from [[Texas Tech Red Raiders basketball|Texas Tech]]. With the 43rd pick, the Timberwolves selected [[Jaylen Nowell]], a point guard from [[Washington Huskies men's basketball|Washington]]. They would also sign [[Naz Reid]], an undrafted center from [[LSU Tigers men's basketball|Louisiana State]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Timberwolves Sign Naz Reid to Multi-Year Contract |url=https://www.nba.com/timberwolves/news/timberwolves-sign-naz-reid-multi-year-contract |access-date=2024-10-07 |website=www.nba.com |language=en}}</ref>

On February 6, 2020, The Timberwolves traded Andrew Wiggins to the [[Golden State Warriors]] for Karl-Anthony Towns' longtime friend [[D'Angelo Russell]]. At the season's end the Timberwolves got the 1st pick in the [[2020 NBA draft]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/28647843/warriors-trade-dangelo-russell-wolves-andrew-wiggins|title=Warriors deal Russell to Wolves, get back Wiggins|date=February 6, 2020|website=ESPN.com|access-date=February 7, 2020|archive-date=September 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200909011537/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/28647843/warriors-trade-dangelo-russell-wolves-andrew-wiggins|url-status=live}}</ref> With that pick, the team drafted [[Anthony Edwards (basketball)|Anthony Edwards]] out of [[Georgia Bulldogs basketball|Georgia]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/timberwolves/timberwolves-select-guard-anthony-edwards-first-overall-pick-2020-nba-draft|title=TIMBERWOLVES SELECT GUARD ANTHONY EDWARDS WITH FIRST OVERALL PICK IN 2020 NBA DRAFT|date=November 18, 2020|website=NBA.com|access-date=November 19, 2020|archive-date=November 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201119051637/https://www.nba.com/timberwolves/timberwolves-select-guard-anthony-edwards-first-overall-pick-2020-nba-draft|url-status=live}}</ref> In that same draft, they would trade up to select [[Jaden McDaniels]] with the 28th pick.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Minnesota Timberwolves Acquire Ricky Rubio And Draft Rights To Jaden McDaniels From Oklahoma City And Draft Rights To Leandro Bolmaro From New York |url=https://www.nba.com/timberwolves/news/minnesota-timberwolves-acquire-ricky-rubio-and-draft-rights-jaden-mcdaniels-oklahoma-city-and |access-date=2024-10-07 |website=www.nba.com |language=en}}</ref>

On February 21, 2021, head coach Ryan Saunders was fired, and [[Toronto Raptors]] assistant coach [[Chris Finch (basketball)|Chris Finch]] was hired to replace him.<ref>{{Cite web|title=TIMBERWOLVES RELIEVE RYAN SAUNDERS OF HIS DUTIES|url=https://www.nba.com/timberwolves/timberwolves-relieve-ryan-saunders-his-duties|website=NBA.com|date=February 21, 2021|access-date=February 21, 2021|archive-date=April 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413115852/https://www.nba.com/timberwolves/timberwolves-relieve-ryan-saunders-his-duties|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES NAME CHRIS FINCH HEAD COACH|url=https://www.nba.com/timberwolves/timberwolves-name-chris-finch-head-coach|website=NBA.com|date=February 22, 2021|access-date=February 22, 2021|archive-date=April 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413133614/https://www.nba.com/timberwolves/timberwolves-name-chris-finch-head-coach|url-status=live}}</ref> The Timberwolves finished the season 23-49 and missed the playoffs.<ref>{{Cite web|title=2020-21 NBA Standings|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/standings/_/season/2021|access-date=November 29, 2021|website=ESPN|archive-date=November 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129112608/https://www.espn.com/nba/standings/_/season/2021|url-status=live}}</ref>

In April 2021, the Timberwolves announced that owner Glen Taylor had reached a deal with [[Marc Lore]] and [[Alex Rodriguez]] to sell the team. According to the deal, Lore and Rodriguez would become majority owners over the course of two years. On July 21, 2021, it was announced that Lore and Rodriguez had purchased 20% of the team. They went on to purchase 20% more in 2022 before the deal stalled in 2024. The transaction also includes ownership in the Timberwolves' WNBA sister-club, the [[Minnesota Lynx]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Alex Rodriguez, Marc Lore officially join ownership group of Minnesota Timberwolves |url=https://www.nba.com/news/timberwolves-welcome-rodriguez-lore |website=www.nba.com |access-date=February 1, 2022 |archive-date=February 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220201204706/https://www.nba.com/news/timberwolves-welcome-rodriguez-lore |url-status=live }}</ref> The deal valued the team at $1.5 billion.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Young |first1=Jabari |title=How Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore's $1.5 billion purchase of the Timberwolves can rebuild the team, boost diversity in NBA |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2021/04/12/alex-rodriguez-marc-lore-to-buy-timberwolves-for-1point5-billion.html |website=CNBC |access-date=February 1, 2022 |date=April 12, 2021 |archive-date=February 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220201204649/https://www.cnbc.com/2021/04/12/alex-rodriguez-marc-lore-to-buy-timberwolves-for-1point5-billion.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

In the off-season the Wolves traded guard [[Ricky Rubio]] to the [[Cleveland Cavaliers]] for forward [[Taurean Prince]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Tribune|first=Chris Hine Star|title=Timberwolves trading Ricky Rubio to Cleveland for Taurean Prince|url=https://www.startribune.com/timberwolves-trading-ricky-rubio-to-cleveland/600082937/|access-date=November 29, 2021|website=Star Tribune|date=July 30, 2021 |archive-date=November 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129005324/https://www.startribune.com/timberwolves-trading-ricky-rubio-to-cleveland/600082937/|url-status=live}}</ref> The Wolves then acquired guard [[Patrick Beverley]] in exchange for [[Juancho Hernangómez|Juancho Hernangomez]] and former first round pick [[Jarrett Culver]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=August 25, 2021|title=Timberwolves Make Trade For Patrick Beverley Official|url=https://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2021/08/25/timberwolves-make-trade-for-patrick-beverley-official/|access-date=November 29, 2021|archive-date=November 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129005324/https://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2021/08/25/timberwolves-make-trade-for-patrick-beverley-official/|url-status=live}}</ref> The final move they made was signing former [[2020 NBA draft|2020 draft]] pick [[Leandro Bolmaro]] to a 4-year, 11.8-million-dollar rookie contract.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Timberwolves Sign Leandro Bolmaro|url=https://www.nba.com/timberwolves/timberwolves-sign-leandro-bolmaro|access-date=November 29, 2021|website=Minnesota Timberwolves|archive-date=November 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129005323/https://www.nba.com/timberwolves/timberwolves-sign-leandro-bolmaro|url-status=live}}</ref>

On September 22, 2021, after Gersson Rosas was relieved of his President of Basketball Operations duties,<ref>{{cite tweet |author=Timberwolves PR |user=Twolves_PR |number=1440757909869129731 |date=September 22, 2021 |title=Timberwolves/Lynx owner Glen Taylor released the following statement: "Today, the Minnesota Timberwolves parted ways with President of Basketball Operations Gersson Rosas. As an organization, we remain committed to building a winning team that our fans and city can be proud of." |access-date=October 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927204803/https://twitter.com/twolves_pr/status/1440757909869129731 |archive-date=September 27, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Sachin Gupta (executive)|Sachin Gupta]] was promoted as the new interim president of basketball operations, while keeping his role as EVP of basketball operations.<ref>{{cite tweet |author=Timberwolves PR |user=Twolves_PR |number=1440793309811646467 |date=September 22, 2021 |title=Minnesota Timberwolves/Lynx owner Glen Taylor released the following statement: https://t.co/3I49vM7ZXe |access-date=October 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210923231726/https://twitter.com/twolves_pr/status/1440793309811646467 |archive-date=September 23, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref> The Timberwolves finished the [[2021–22 NBA season|2021–22 season]] with a 46–36 record, the second-most regular season wins since making the conference finals in 2004. Despite All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns fouling out with 11 points in 24 minutes, the Wolves beat the [[Los Angeles Clippers]] in the play-in game to secure their spot in the [[2022 NBA playoffs]]. The Timberwolves were eliminated by the [[Memphis Grizzlies]] in the first round in six games.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tribune |first=Chris Hine Star |title=Timberwolves give up another double-digit lead in fourth quarter, eliminated by Grizzlies in Game 6 |url=https://www.startribune.com/timberwolves-memphis-double-digit-lead-fourth-quarter-nba-playoffs/600169332/ |access-date=April 30, 2022 |website=Star Tribune |date=April 30, 2022 |archive-date=April 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220430174010/https://www.startribune.com/timberwolves-memphis-double-digit-lead-fourth-quarter-nba-playoffs/600169332/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

On May 23, 2022, it was announced that the Timberwolves had hired [[Tim Connelly]], who previously served as the [[Denver Nuggets]]' president of basketball operations, as their president of basketball operations, taking over Gupta's job. He was reportedly signed to a 5-year, $40 million contract by the Timberwolves, that includes ownership equity.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 23, 2022 |title=Sources: Wolves hire exec Connelly on $40M deal |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/33971725/sources-minnesota-timberwolves-hire-executive-tim-connelly-5-year-deal-worth-40m-includes-ownership-equity |access-date=May 24, 2022 |website=ESPN.com |archive-date=May 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220524012253/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/33971725/sources-minnesota-timberwolves-hire-executive-tim-connelly-5-year-deal-worth-40m-includes-ownership-equity |url-status=live }}</ref>

On July 1, 2022, the Timberwolves traded [[Malik Beasley]], [[Patrick Beverley]], [[Jarred Vanderbilt]], [[Leandro Bolmaro]], and 2022 22nd pick [[Walker Kessler]] and 4 future first round draft picks for 3x NBA DPOY [[Rudy Gobert]] from the [[Utah Jazz]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 1, 2022 |title=Sources: Rudy Gobert trade grades: What the blockbuster deal means for the Minnesota Timberwolves and Utah Jazz |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/insider/insider/story/_/id/34181072/rudy-gobert-trade-grades-blockbuster-deal-means-minnesota-timberwolves-utah-jazz |access-date=July 2, 2022 |archive-date=July 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220702001357/https://www.espn.com/nba/insider/insider/story/_/id/34181072/rudy-gobert-trade-grades-blockbuster-deal-means-minnesota-timberwolves-utah-jazz |url-status=live }}</ref>

=====2022–23: rise of Anthony Edwards and arrival of Rudy Gobert=====
The Timberwolves began the [[2022–23 NBA season|2022–23 season]] with high expectations following the Gobert trade. They were dealt a blow on November 28, 2022, when Karl-Anthony Towns suffered a severe calf strain that cost him 52 games.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Krawczynski |first=Jon |title=Wolves season in review: Connelly's rollercoaster first season and what's next |work=The New York Times |url=https://theathletic.com/4590502/2023/06/22/nba-minnesota-timberwolves-offseason-tim-connelly/ |access-date=June 22, 2023 |archive-date=June 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230622184004/https://theathletic.com/4590502/2023/06/22/nba-minnesota-timberwolves-offseason-tim-connelly/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The injury pushed Anthony Edwards into a leadership role,<ref>{{Cite news |title=Timberwolves' Anthony Edwards: 'It's time for me to step up' - Sports Illustrated Minnesota Sports, News, Analysis, and More |work=Sports Illustrated Minnesota Sports, News, Analysis, and More |url=https://www.si.com/fannation/bringmethesports/timberwolves/timberwolves-anthony-edwards-its-time-for-me-to-step-up |access-date=July 26, 2023 |archive-date=July 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230726203908/https://www.si.com/fannation/bringmethesports/timberwolves/timberwolves-anthony-edwards-its-time-for-me-to-step-up |url-status=live }}</ref> with the first-time [[2023 NBA All-Star Game|All-Star]] guiding the team to a 42–40 finish and a [[NBA play-in tournament|play-in tournament]] berth. After falling to the [[Los Angeles Lakers]] in the first game, the Timberwolves secured the 8th seed with a 25-point win over the [[Oklahoma City Thunder]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Staff |first=Jon Krawczynski and The Athletic |title=Timberwolves advance to Western Conference first round |work=The New York Times |url=https://theathletic.com/4414092/2023/04/15/timberwolves-thunder-play-in/ |access-date=June 22, 2023 |archive-date=June 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230622182500/https://theathletic.com/4414092/2023/04/15/timberwolves-thunder-play-in/ |url-status=live }}</ref> They went on to lose to the first seed (and eventual NBA champion), the [[Denver Nuggets]], in the first round in five games.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Krawczynski |first=Nick Kosmider and Jon |title=Nuggets top T-Wolves in Game 5, advance to West semifinals |work=The New York Times |url=https://theathletic.com/4452354/2023/04/26/nuggets-timberwolves-game-5-result/ |access-date=June 22, 2023 |archive-date=June 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230622182459/https://theathletic.com/4452354/2023/04/26/nuggets-timberwolves-game-5-result/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

=====2023–24: second conference finals appearance=====
[[File:Rudy Gobert.jpg|thumb|Rudy Gobert won a record-tying fourth DPOY in 2024]]
The [[2023–24 Minnesota Timberwolves season|2023–24 season]] was their best since 2004, as they recorded 56 wins and landed the third seed in the Western Conference. They were the no. 1 defense in the league,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Once again, Timberwolves tasked with slowing the NBA's greatest scorers |url=https://www.nba.com/news/minnesota-timberwolves-best-defenses-nba-history-2024 |access-date=2024-06-04 |website=NBA.com |language=en}}</ref> anchored by eventual DPOY winner Rudy Gobert and [[NBA All-Defensive Team|All-Defensive]] selection [[Jaden McDaniels]]. Anthony Edwards made his first [[All-NBA Team|All-NBA]] Team, [[Karl-Anthony Towns]] made his fourth All-Star Appearance, and fan favorite<ref>{{Cite news |last=Krawczynski |first=Jon |title=Naz Reid's bid for Sixth Man of the Year started as a high school freshman in New Jersey |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5398678/2024/04/08/naz-reid-nba-sixth-man-timberwolves/ |access-date=2024-06-04 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> [[Naz Reid]] was named [[NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award|Sixth Man of the Year]].<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Krawczynski |first1=Jon |last2=Charania |first2=Shams |title=Timberwolves' offseason questions: Ownership fight, Tim Connelly and a looming bill |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5531453/2024/05/31/timberwolves-tim-connelly-karl-anthony-town-offseason/ |access-date=2024-06-04 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>

On March 28, 2024, Glen Taylor announced that the sale of the team to prospective owners [[Marc Lore]] and [[Alex Rodriguez]] was off.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-03-28 |title=Timberwolves Sale Collapses |url=https://tcbmag.com/timberwolves-sale-collapses/ |access-date=2024-05-24 |website=Twin Cities Business |language=en-US}}</ref> Lore and Rodriguez were expected to make their third and final payment installment to Taylor on March 27, 2024, raising their ownership interest from 40% to 80% in both the Timberwolves and Lynx, stemming from the April 2021 agreement to purchase the team.<ref name="Tribune">{{Cite web |last=Tribune |first=Nick Williams Star |title=Failed $1.5 billion sale, ownership dispute of Minnesota Timberwolves looms as team heads closer to NBA finals |url=https://www.startribune.com/as-timberwolves-battle-for-nba-crown-off-court-dispute-simmers-over-teams-ownership/600368262/ |access-date=2024-05-24 |website=Star Tribune|date=May 23, 2024 }}</ref> However, Lore and Rodriguez's payment was not made by the deadline. It is unclear what exactly transpired leading to the deal falling through. On March 20, 2024, it was reported the Lore and Rodriguez lost the financial backing of the [[The Carlyle Group|Carlyle Group]] that had previously pledged $300 million towards the final installment.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-03-20 |title=A-Rod, Lore lose backing in deal for Timberwolves |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/39768940/a-rod-marc-lore-lose-backing-deal-majority-stake-timberwolves |access-date=2024-05-24 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref> On March 21, 2024, it appeared as if Lore and Rodriguez had secured the backing of [[Blue Owl Capital]] to keep the sale on track.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Williams |first1=Nick |last2=Tribune |first2=Chris Hine Star |title=Blue Owl joins Alex Rodriguez, Marc Lore as equity investors in Timberwolves, Lynx |url=https://www.startribune.com/carlyle-group-backs-out-of-negotiations-to-invest-in-alex-rodriguez-marc-lore-ownership-of-timberwolves/600352652/ |access-date=2024-05-24 |website=Star Tribune|date=March 20, 2024 }}</ref> Lore and Rodriguez state they filed the necessary paperwork for league approval prior to the March 27, 2024, payment deadline, which should have granted them a ninety-day extension to submit the funds to Taylor.<ref name="Tribune"/> The parties met to mediate the dispute on May 1, 2024, but no agreement was reached.<ref name="Tribune"/> On June 6, 2024, it was announced that [[Michael Bloomberg]] would join Rodriguez and Lore's ownership group.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Krawczynski |first1=Jon |last2=Charania |first2=Shams |title=Sources: Michael Bloomberg agrees to join Marc Lore-Alex Rodriguez ownership group |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5545916/2024/06/06/michael-bloomberg-marc-lore-alex-rodriguez-ownership/ |access-date=2024-06-06 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>

In the first round of the [[2024 NBA playoffs|2024 playoffs]], the Timberwolves swept the [[Phoenix Suns]] 4–0. It was their first series win since 2004, and the first series sweep in Minnesota men's professional sports history. The series saw [[Anthony Edwards (basketball)|Anthony Edwards]] ascend into rarefied air, becoming the 2nd player under 22 to record a 30/5/5 statline in multiple playoff games.<ref>{{cite web|title=Starting 5, April 29: Jalen Brunson's record, Wolves' sweep highlight historic Sunday|url=https://www.nba.com/news/nba-starting-5-april-29-2024|website=NBA.com|date=April 29, 2024|access-date=April 30, 2024}}</ref> His performance spurred widespread comparisons to a young [[Michael Jordan]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Anthony Edwards hears your Michael Jordan comparisons, but 'it's just not possible' |url=https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nba/anthony-edwards-hears-your-michael-jordan-comparisons-but-its-just-not-possible |access-date=2024-06-04 |website=FOX Sports |language=en-US}}</ref> even from Jordan himself.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pasciolla |first=Anthony |date=2024-03-19 |title=Michael Jordan Agrees With Comparison Between Him And Anthony Edwards |url=https://www.si.com/fannation/backinthedaynba/news/michael-jordan-agrees-with-comparison-between-him-and-anthony-edwards |access-date=2024-06-04 |website=Sports Illustrated Back In The Day NBA News, Analysis and More |language=en}}</ref>

In the conference semifinals, the Timberwolves squared off with the [[Denver Nuggets]] in a highly anticipated rematch of their 2023 first round series. After a nailbiter Game 1, the teams spent the next five games trading blowouts, leaving things 3–3 heading back to Denver for Game 7. Down 15 points at half, the Timberwolves led a miraculous comeback, winning the game 98–90 and securing a spot in the [[NBA conference finals|Western Conference finals]] — 20 years to the day of their last conference finals appearance.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Krawczynski |first=Jon |title=No more pretending, no more being the laughingstock, the Timberwolves and KAT have arrived |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5505355/2024/05/20/karl-anthony-towns-timberwolves-game-7-nuggets/ |access-date=2024-06-04 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Their run ended when they lost to the Dallas Mavericks in five games.<ref>{{Cite news |author=The Athletic Staff |title=How Luka Dončić keyed Mavericks to Game 5 blowout |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5531179/2024/05/30/timberwolves-mavericks-result-5-takeaways/ |access-date=2024-06-04 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>

In the [[2024 NBA draft]], the Timberwolves acquired the rights to Kentucky guard [[Rob Dillingham]], the 8th overall pick, from the [[San Antonio Spurs]] in exchange for a 2031 unprotected first-round pick and a 2030 first-round pick swap (top-1 protected).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wolves acquire rights to 8th pick Rob Dillingham from Spurs for future draft pick, swap |url=https://www.nba.com/news/timberwolves-spurs-trade-rob-dillingham-2024-nba-draft |access-date=2024-10-07 |website=NBA.com |language=en}}</ref> They also selected [[Terrence Shannon Jr.]], a guard from the [[Illinois Fighting Illini men's basketball|University of Illinois]], with the 27th overall pick.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Timberwolves Select Terrence Shannon Jr. 27th Overall in 2024 NBA Draft |url=https://www.nba.com/timberwolves/news/timberwolves-select-terrence-shannon-jr-27th-overall-in-2024-nba-draft |access-date=2025-04-06 |website=NBA.com}}</ref>

====2024–present: Julius Randle/Karl-Anthony Towns trade====
During the 2024 off-season, the Timberwolves traded All-Star [[Karl-Anthony Towns]] to the [[New York Knicks]] for fellow big man All-Star [[Julius Randle]], sharpshooter [[Donte DiVincenzo]] and a first round pick.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-09-28 |title=Sources: Towns to join Knicks, Randle to Wolves |url=https://www.espn.com.au/nba/story/_/id/41482366/sources-knicks-nearing-deal-send-randle-divincenzo-wolves-towns |access-date=2024-09-28 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref>

In February 2025, Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez announced that they had won the arbitration case with Glen Taylor regarding the ownership transfer of the Timberwolves and WNBA's Lynx, stemming from their original 2021 agreement to acquire the franchises.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Krawczynski |first=Jon |date=2025-02-11 |title=Marc Lore, Alex Rodriguez win Timberwolves, Lynx arbitration case vs. Glen Taylor |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6126622/2025/02/10/minnesota-timberwolves-ownership-dispute-nba-lore-rodriguez/ |access-date=2025-03-23 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The arbitration ruling validated Lore and Rodriguez's claim that they had submitted the necessary paperwork for an extension prior to their March 2024 payment deadline. On April 2, 2025, Glen Taylor publicly announced that he would not appeal the arbitration decision, officially clearing the path for Lore and Rodriguez to assume full control of the organization, pending final NBA Board of Governors approval.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Marc Lore, Alex Rodriguez to take full ownership of Minnesota Timberwolves, resolving dispute with Glen Taylor: Report |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/marc-lore-alex-rodriguez-to-take-full-ownership-of-minnesota-timberwolves-resolving-dispute-with-glen-taylor-report-145711075.html |access-date=2025-04-02 |website=Yahoo Sports |date=2025-04-02}}</ref>

Amidst the transition in ownership, the Timberwolves also made significant roster moves to solidify their core. On October 23, 2024, the team reached a three-year, $110 million contract extension with reigning [[Defensive Player of the Year Award|Defensive Player of the Year]] [[Rudy Gobert]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-10-23 |title=Sources: Wolves extend Gobert for 3 years, $110M |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/41951686/rudy-gobert-minnesota-timberwolves-agree-3-year-contract-extension |access-date=2024-10-23 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref> The extension ensured that the Timberwolves retained the anchor of their league-leading defense and one of the most decorated defensive big men in NBA history, who had just won his record-tying fourth Defensive Player of the Year award. Gobert's presence, alongside rising superstar [[Anthony Edwards (basketball)|Anthony Edwards]], All-Defensive forward [[Jaden McDaniels]], and Sixth Man of the Year [[Naz Reid]], underscored Minnesota’s commitment to competing at the highest level in the Western Conference for years to come.

The 2024–25 season began with the Timberwolves adjusting to their new roster. Julius Randle averaged 18.9 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists across his first 48 games, adding a physical presence and playmaking ability alongside [[Anthony Edwards (basketball)|Anthony Edwards]] and Gobert.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wolves’ Julius Randle (adductor) to be out at least 2 weeks |url=https://www.reuters.com/sports/wolves-julius-randle-adductor-be-out-least-2-weeks-2025-02-05/ |access-date=2025-04-06 |website=Reuters |date=2025-02-05}}</ref> However, the team faced a rocky stretch in November, including a four-game losing streak that led Edwards to publicly express frustration with the team’s communication and chemistry.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Anthony Edwards’ comments on Timberwolves as Towns traded to Knicks |url=https://talksport.com/basketball/2332688/anthony-edwards-comments-minnesota-timberwolves-karl-anthony-towns-trade/ |access-date=2025-04-06 |website=TalkSport}}</ref>

In late January 2025, Randle suffered a right adductor strain during a game against the [[Utah Jazz]], sidelining him for at least two weeks.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wolves' Julius Randle (adductor) to be out at least 2 weeks |url=https://www.reuters.com/sports/wolves-julius-randle-adductor-be-out-least-2-weeks-2025-02-05/ |access-date=2025-04-06 |website=Reuters}}</ref> Upon his return, the Timberwolves regained momentum, including a dramatic 140–139 double-overtime win over the [[Denver Nuggets]] on April 1.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Russell Westbrook’s disastrous final seconds cost Nuggets thrilling game |url=https://nypost.com/2025/04/02/sports/russell-westbrooks-disastrous-final-seconds-cost-nuggets-thrilling-game/ |access-date=2025-04-06 |website=New York Post}}</ref> On January 25, Anthony Edwards became the franchise's all-time leader in made three-pointers during a 133–104 win over the [[Denver Nuggets]]. He surpassed [[Karl-Anthony Towns]] by hitting his 976th career three-pointer, finishing the game with 34 points on 14-of-23 shooting, including three made threes.<ref>{{Cite web |title=In win, Anthony Edwards becomes Timberwolves' 3-point leader |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/43563641/in-win-anthony-edwards-becomes-timberwolves-3-point-leader |access-date=2025-04-06 |website=ESPN}}</ref>

The Timberwolves finished the season with a 49–33 record, good for sixth place in the Western Conference and pitting them against the third-seeded [[Los Angeles Lakers]] in the first round of the playoffs.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Buha |first1=Jovan |title=Lakers prepare for tough series vs. Timberwolves: 'They present a lot of problems' |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6277665/2025/04/14/lakers-nba-playoffs-timberwolves-preview/ |website=The Athletic |access-date=May 24, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250415043327/https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6277665/2025/04/14/lakers-nba-playoffs-timberwolves-preview/ |archive-date=April 15, 2025 |date=April 14, 2025}}</ref> The Timberwolves defeated the Lakers in five games to advance to the conference semifinals in back-to-back years for the first time in franchise history.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Timberwolves eliminate Lakers behind Rudy Gobert's 27-24 game|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/44944858/wolves-win-third-straight-eliminate-lakers-first-round|author=Rhim, Kris|access-date=2025-05-05|website=ESPN}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Timberwolves don't take playoff success for granted after booking another trip to the 2nd round|url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/05/01/timberwolves-dont-take-playoff-success-for-granted-after-booking-trip-to-2nd-round|access-date=2025-05-05|website=MPR News}}</ref> They played the [[Golden State Warriors]] in the next round of the playoffs and defeated them 4–1.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Grez |first1=Matias |title=Minnesota Timberwolves eliminate Steph Curry-less Golden State Warriors to reach Western Conference Finals |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2025/05/15/sport/minnesota-timberwolves-golden-state-warriors-game-5-spt |website=CNN |access-date=May 24, 2025 |date=May 15, 2025}}</ref>