After proving to be a notch below clear contention in the playoffs, the Minnesota Timberwolves need to make some roster changes this offseason.
Whether it's a move for a star or simply finding a roster that better supports Anthony Edwards -- changes are needed. Still, reporting from Jake Fischer indicates this likely roster shake-up will happen after a deal with Ayo Dosunmu is set in stone.
"For now it sounds as though the Wolves’ priority is first and foremost re-signing trade deadline acquisition Ayo Dosunmu," Fischer wrote when reporting on current trade rumors around the Wolves.
Ayo Dosunmu's new deal could determine the Wolves' offseason plan
The logic here tracks. It was reported earlier this week that the Wolves will likely have to shed salary to afford Ayo's new contract.
Even if this is the general expectation, it will be crucial to know exactly how much room they need to carve out following his deal.
This could likewise determine what avenue the Wolves pursue to cut salary. Do the Wolves make a trade involving Julius Randle or Rudy Gobert that saves money? How much money can realistically be saved in such a move? Does Minnesota consider the unfortunate possibility of trading Donte DiVincenzo as he recovers from an Achilles injury?
These are all factors that the Wolves need to account for and knowing the exact details of Ayo's contract is a must before determining their next move(s).
If Dosunmu unfortunately walks in free agency, the Wolves could become desperate for a star and they'd have more financial flexibility to make a move.
To be clear, I'd prioritize Dosunmu as he's proven to be a perfect fit and you need complementary players like him to win at the highest level. Furthermore, the Wolves' chances of landing a game-changing star aren't high. Reporting also indicates that a deal is likely to get done between Ayo and the Wolves.
All the same, it needs to be noted that the possibility of Dosunmu leaving in free agency could make a star move more likely.
A big move could still happen before free agency
Now, just because Dosunmu is set to enter free agency doesn't guarantee that the Wolves' other moves can't happen before then. In addition to the Wolves possibly making a precursor, not a subsequent move, to re-sign him, Dosunmu can sign an extension with the Wolves before free agency.
It's vital to note that the Wolves could extend Ayo on a three-year deal worth up to deal worth up to $52.4 million, before free agency begins. Should the Wolves lock in such a deal, that would make other moves more likely to happen sooner.
Nevertheless, it's unclear how inclined Ayo is to sign this extension, as he could very possibly earn more by waiting until free agency.
Overall, while fans might be ready for some roster changes, practicing patience could prove to be necessary and based on Fischer's reporting, it seems like Ayo will be the first major move of Minnesota's offseason.
