The Minnesota Timberwolves have already made some loud transactions this offseason, most notably trading Julius Randle to the Brooklyn Nets and then acquiring LaMelo Ball from the Charlotte Hornets. On Monday, they made a smaller move that might not have been noticed by some fans of the team.
Forward Julian Phillips had a team option for around $2.4 million for 2026-27. The Timberwolves decided to decline the option, making the 22-year-old an unrestricted free agent.
He joined the team back in February in the trade that also netted them Ayo Dosunmu. Declining Phillips’ option could portend future moves for Minnesota in bringing back some of its own free agents: Kyle Anderson, Mike Conley and Bones Hyland.
It's likely that declining Phillips’ option will pave the way for the Wolves to re-sign at least one of this trio.
Could bring back their own free agents
You can never say for sure what the Timberwolves will do with their roster. That is because Tim Connelly is the president of basketball operations, and Connelly certainly has no qualms about making a major move.
Still, declining Phillips’ option leaves the Wolves roster currently at 11 deep (including No. 33 pick Isaiah Evans). That leaves four roster spots, but Minnesota will probably leave one open for financial reasons.
According to Bobby Marks of ESPN, Minnesota is $9.7 million under the second apron. That only leaves them with just the veteran’s minimum to hand out to free agents.
As noted, the Wolves could look to re-sign at least some of Conley, Hyland and Anderson.
Despite the reported interest from the Miami Heat, most expect Conley to return to the Wolves for his 20th season. Anderson helps fill a position of need (power forward). Bones exceeded all expectations last season, although he had major struggles in the playoffs.
I definitely believe Conley is returning. Slo Mo seems more likely after the Timberwolves decided to allow Phillips to move on. Hyland is a tough call. According to Marks’ calculations, even signing all three at the minimum would put the club over the second apron.
They can go with 13 players on the active roster for a couple of weeks to start the season to save money until they are required to add a 14th. So bringing back at least two of those three seems like a strong possibility, but with a need at power forward, Connelly could make another trade, which could change things.
