Timberwolves cut five players, finalize roster ahead of season opener at Miami

MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Timberwolves have made their most significant personnel decisions of the final preseason weekend, releasing five players Saturday and moving closer to establishing the roster that will open the NBA regular season Wednesday night at Miami.

Minnesota waived forwards Drew Timme, Enrique Freeman, KJ Martin and Norchad Omier, along with guard Antonio Reeves. The transactions came one day after the Timberwolves completed their six-game exhibition schedule with a 133-116 loss at Chicago, leaving coach Chris Finch with a considerably clearer picture of his available personnel.

The decisions reduced Minnesota's roster to 14 players on standard NBA contracts and two players on two-way agreements. The Timberwolves have one available standard roster position and one available two-way position, providing flexibility for additional personnel moves as other NBA teams complete their preseason cuts.

The most intriguing departure was Timme, the former Gonzaga standout who scored 18 points in Friday's loss to Chicago. Timme converted seven field goals and demonstrated the offensive versatility that made him one of college basketball's most accomplished players before beginning his professional career.

His release underscores the difficult decisions facing Minnesota's front office as it attempts to balance immediate championship ambitions against the development of younger players. The Timberwolves have invested heavily in their established rotation, leaving limited opportunities for players competing for the final positions on the roster.

Martin, who has appeared in 309 NBA games during his professional career, was the most experienced player released. The athletic forward previously played for Houston, the Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia and Utah before attempting to return to the league with Minnesota.

Freeman's departure was particularly notable because he had been playing under a two-way contract. The former Akron standout spent considerable time with the Iowa Wolves last season and had returned to Minnesota's organization during the summer.

Reeves and Omier also were competing for opportunities to remain in the organization. Players who clear waivers could potentially join Minnesota's G League affiliate, although their immediate destinations have not been confirmed.

Young players survive final cuts

The transactions leave several younger players positioned to compete for meaningful minutes behind Minnesota's established starters.

Rookie guard Isaiah Evans delivered one of the strongest performances in Friday's exhibition finale, scoring a team-high 21 points and making four 3-pointers against Chicago. His perimeter shooting gives Finch another potential offensive weapon, particularly while veteran guard Donte DiVincenzo continues recovering from surgery to repair a torn right Achilles tendon.

Jaylen Clark contributed 18 points, seven rebounds and three steals against the Bulls, demonstrating the defensive activity and improving offensive confidence that could make him a valuable rotation player.

Cody Williams scored 15 points, while Zyon Pullin added 14 points and 10 assists. Their performances provided encouraging evidence that Minnesota has several developmental players capable of contributing when opportunities become available.

Second-year center Joan Beringer remains particularly important to the team's frontcourt depth. The athletic Frenchman is expected to provide minutes behind Rudy Gobert, although his ability to defend without accumulating excessive fouls remains an important part of his development.

Minnesota's decision to release Timme also places additional emphasis on Beringer's progress. The Timberwolves have experienced players capable of filling multiple frontcourt roles, but Gobert remains their established interior defensive presence.

The larger question is whether the younger players can provide dependable production during the regular season, when defensive assignments become more demanding and opportunities are generally less forgiving than those available during exhibition games.

Edwards, Ball partnership faces first meaningful test

The Timberwolves finished the preseason 3-3, winning three of their first four games before consecutive losses to Detroit and Chicago.

Friday's defeat came with Minnesota resting Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball, Jaden McDaniels, Gobert and Jonathan Kuminga. The result therefore offered limited insight into the team's expected regular-season starting lineup, although it provided another opportunity to evaluate younger players.

Wednesday's 128-106 home loss to Detroit was more revealing. Minnesota struggled defensively against the Pistons, surrendering 99 points over the final three quarters and allowing Detroit to control the interior.

Those defensive shortcomings remain an important concern for a team attempting to establish itself among the Western Conference's strongest contenders.

The most significant offseason development was Minnesota's acquisition of Ball, whose playmaking ability could dramatically change the responsibilities carried by Edwards.

Edwards has developed into one of the NBA's premier offensive players, but opponents have frequently concentrated their defensive attention on him because of his importance as both a scorer and creator.

Ball provides another dangerous ballhandler capable of initiating the offense, finding open teammates and creating scoring opportunities in transition.

The combination should allow Edwards to operate more frequently without the basketball, potentially creating more favorable matchups and reducing the burden of directing nearly every important offensive possession.

Kuminga gives Minnesota another athletic scoring option, particularly when attacking the basket. His ability to finish in transition and create offense against smaller defenders provides Finch with additional flexibility.

The challenge is establishing chemistry among those players while maintaining the defensive discipline that has helped Minnesota become a consistent playoff contender.

Ayo Dosunmu also figures prominently in the team's plans. The former Chicago guard was rested during Friday's preseason finale but is expected to be available for Wednesday's opener.

Dosunmu averaged 14.4 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3.5 assists in 24 regular-season appearances with Minnesota last season. His versatility gives Finch another experienced option in the backcourt and could become particularly valuable when the coaching staff adjusts combinations involving Edwards and Ball.

DiVincenzo's recovery remains the team's most significant established injury concern. The veteran guard suffered his Achilles injury during last season's playoffs, and Minnesota must begin the new season without one of its most dependable perimeter shooters and defenders.

No new game-related injury designation or major coaching change was confirmed Sunday morning. Minnesota's next significant personnel evaluations will come as preparations intensify for Wednesday's opener.

Miami opener begins demanding schedule

The Timberwolves will begin the regular season Wednesday at Miami before traveling to Orlando on Friday.

Minnesota defeated the Heat 125-124 in an Oct. 10 preseason game, although both teams rested several established players. Wednesday's meeting will provide a more meaningful examination of the Timberwolves' reconstructed roster.

The Heat present an immediate challenge for Minnesota's interior defense, particularly with Bam Adebayo anchoring Miami's frontcourt. The Timberwolves will need to establish stronger defensive communication and rebounding consistency than they demonstrated during portions of the preseason.

Minnesota's first home game is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 25, against Toronto at Target Center. The Timberwolves then visit Cleveland before returning home for games against Golden State and the Los Angeles Clippers.

The Oct. 30 matchup against the Clippers also opens Minnesota's NBA Cup group-play schedule.

For Finch, the next several days will be devoted to establishing his rotation, defining offensive responsibilities and preparing his players for a demanding opening stretch.

The Timberwolves possess considerable individual talent, beginning with Edwards and extending through Ball, McDaniels, Kuminga and Gobert. Their success will depend on how quickly those players establish the chemistry necessary to compete against opponents with more established systems.

Saturday's roster reductions represented another step toward that objective. The preseason experiments are nearly finished, the personnel decisions are taking shape and Minnesota's championship ambitions are about to face their first meaningful examination.

Timberwolves upcoming schedule

All times Central. All games are regular-season contests.

Minnesota will play seven games in its first 11 days, including four road contests and three at Target Center. The opening stretch includes a back-to-back assignment against Toronto and Cleveland, followed by another demanding sequence against Golden State, the Clippers and San Antonio.