The Minnesota Timberwolves are going through a big offseason as they're gearing up to start their season with the backcourt of LaMelo Ball and Anthony Edwards. Ball was acquired by the Timberwolves via trade, which sent Naz Reid and multiple draft picks to the Charlotte Hornets. 

One of the major needs for the Timberwolves this offseason was finding a reliable second option for Anthony Edwards, and the hope now is that Ball can come in and relieve some pressure off Edwards offensively. 

Minnesota also brought back guard Ayo Dosunmu on a five-year, $112 million contract after an impressive start to his Timberwolves tenure after being traded in the middle of the season. Dosunmu showed he can be a reliable piece on offense as he finished the season averaging 14.8 points per game and had a 43-point game in the postseason. 

The Timberwolves also have returning pieces in the frontcourt in Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert, who give the team stability on defense. McDaniels has shown he can be  a formidable player on offense as well, and his versatility makes this Timberwolves lineup well-rounded on both ends. 

The projected starting lineup for the Minnesota Timberwolves on opening night will feature LaMelo Ball and Anthony Edwards in the backcourt, Ayo Dosunmu at small forward, Jaden McDaniels at power forward, and Rudy Gobert rounding out the lineup at center. 

Off the bench as the sixth man will likely be forward Terrence Shannon Jr., who has shown over time he can be a dominant force in the paint. Shannon is an athletic big man who is physically imposing, and he has earned more playing time as his career has progressed in Minnesota. 

Another important piece coming off the bench will be Isaiah Evans, who is a rookie who was selected in the second round of this year's NBA Draft. Evans provides perimeter defense and shooting on the wing, something the Timberwolves needed off the bench this season. 

Minnesota will also have two other young pieces on its squad who will come off the bench in Enrique Freeman and Joan Beringer, who have not seen the court much in their careers but could be looking at a big jump in their playing time in 2026. 

The Timberwolves will be a team that's looking to play a physical brand of basketball in 2026 as their team brings a mix of explosiveness on offense and solid defense. If this team can stay healthy, it could make it as far as the NBA Finals. A lot of their success this season will depend on how LaMelo Ball meshes with the Timberwolves roster.