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via Imago
Credits: Imago
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/1200x628-imago-final-13-6.png?width=600)
via Imago
Credits: Imago
The Minnesota Timberwolves had quite a successful season led by Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns. Going as far as the Conference Finals, the Wolves finally established themselves as a serious threat in the West. While the front office can look back at the postseason and expect an even better postseason run, the Wolves decided to target a first-rounder to add to the squad. Minnesota drafted a late first-round pick along with an early second-round pick. However, these additions weren’t enough.
Recently, Minnesota acquired Rob Dillingham, the 8th overall pick from San Antonio. This came with the Wolves giving away a 2031 first-round pick and a 2030 pick swap. As great of a move as this seemed, considering the youngster to play alongside dominant players like ANT and KAT, the Wolves’ luxury tax has skyrocketed. As projected by Bobby Marks, the Wolves went from $56 million in luxury taxes to $84 million. But it doesn’t end there.
the newest addition to the squad. 🐺 pic.twitter.com/YbTnyHSDAf
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) June 27, 2024
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The Wolves are also well above the second apron, with their team salary estimated at around $194.5 million. Of course, the said restrictions including trades wherein they’ll have to match the salaries dollar to dollar and not bring in any additional money in trade deal, will apply as the following season hits. But how much of an impact would this make? The Wolves may look to lose Rudy Gobert, the second-highest-paid player on the roster.
Looking at their assets, Jaden McDaniels has been phenomenal during the regular season and even better in the postseason. Surely, Minnesota would not think of nearing any deals around him. On the other hand, the man who had the team built around, Towns will be in Minnesota in the long run. However, as they introduced Dillingham who will be a potential scorer, the Wolves may have to part ways with Gobert in the future. But again, this is only a possibility. But the real question is, what does the future look like for the Wolves?
Who will be the asset alongside Anthony Edwards and KAT?
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For the upcoming season, Gobert will be on the roster alongside the duo. However, if we consider Gobert’s departure from Minnesota, there will be a spot to fill. However this won’t be in terms of his position, but more towards the production side. McDaniels is of course a terrific player with great potential. He can become a backup scorer while also taking care of the shooting aspect. Dillingham will also be a guard to look out for, coming from a scoring and shooting background.
Anthony Edwards and Towns are going to be the highest-paid players on the roster. But to complement them, the Wolves will need a third hand. And what better to look for than their current assets who are dedicated and showing signs of improvement each year? The Wolves are ranked as one of the top teams when it comes to team salaries with the Warriors being the most expensive.
It will be interesting to see Minnesota make changes to their roster for contracts. They already have a guard/forward duo which is considered quite dominant, as building a team around this duo would only be optimal. What are your thoughts on the Wolves’ luxury taxes? Do you think Edwards and KAT need a third hand? Let us know in the comments.
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For more interesting NBA content, make sure to watch our conversation with Leonard Armato, who speaks about the Lakers, Shaq, and more in the video below.