Timberwolves Trail Spurs, Thunder as $26 Million Cap Cushion Limits Next Move

4 articles · Updated · CBS Sports · May 16

Minnesota enters the offseason still a tier below San Antonio and Oklahoma City, with its clearest roster flaw a missing No. 2 scorer beside Anthony Edwards.
The squeeze traces to earlier all-in bets: the Rudy Gobert trade drained draft capital, the Karl-Anthony Towns deal removed a proven offensive star, and Rob Dillingham failed to develop into that replacement.
Only about $26 million below the projected second apron with 10 roster spots filled, the Wolves have little flexibility left; their only tradable future first-rounder this summer is a 2033 pick.
Tim Connelly could still chase a risky star such as Giannis Antetokounmpo, Ja Morant, Kyrie Irving or De'Aaron Fox, but any deal likely costs Jaden McDaniels, depth or both.
If that path is too costly, Minnesota may need to pivot toward a softer reset around Edwards and its younger core, because this roster has shown no clear route past the West's top two teams.

Trapped by past trades, can the Timberwolves build a title team around Anthony Edwards?

Are the Timberwolves a cautionary tale of how two trades can derail a rising contender?