The Minnesota Timberwolves are an NBA team founded in 1989 and based in Minneapolis. They play in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference. The team has been playing at the Target Center since 1990. A phased purchase agreement was initiated in 2021, between Glen Taylor and Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore for a controlling stake, originally set to conclude in 2024. Following a legal dispute, an agreement was made in April 2025, for the originally agreed $1.5 billion. The sale, which also includes the Minnesota Lynx, is pending NBA approval.
In 1947, the Minneapolis Lakers started their run in the Twin Cities.
On August 30, 2018, the Minnesota Timberwolves unveiled their first "Classic" edition uniforms based on the black alternates used from 1997 to 2008. They also unveiled a dark purple "City" uniform inspired by Prince's 1984 album Purple Rain.
In December 1986, the "name the team" contest for the Minnesota Timberwolves selected two finalists: "Timberwolves" and "Polars".
On January 23, 1987, the team was officially named the "Minnesota Timberwolves".
On April 22, 1987, the NBA granted one of its four new expansion teams to Harvey Ratner and Marv Wolfenson, which would become the Minnesota Timberwolves.
As part of the NBA's 75th anniversary, the Minnesota Timberwolves' "City" uniform in the 2021–22 season mixed various elements from the franchise's previous uniforms. The royal blue base recalled the original 1989–1996 uniforms.
In 1989, NBA basketball returned to the Twin Cities for the first time since the Minneapolis Lakers departed in 1960.
In 1989, the Minnesota Timberwolves were founded as an American professional basketball team based in Minneapolis.
In the 2023-24 season, the Minnesota Timberwolves brought back the original 1989–1996 white uniform for its "Classic" edition, this to celebrate the franchise's 35th season.
In their inaugural season of 1989, the Minnesota Timberwolves debuted blue road uniforms with green lettering and numbers with white, and home uniforms featuring blue lettering and numbers with green outlining.
On April 20, 2016, the Timberwolves agreed to sign Tom Thibodeau to be their head coach and president of basketball operations, who was previously an assistant coach for the team from 1989 to 1991.
On April 17, 1990, a crowd of 49,551 attended the Timberwolves' final home game of the season at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, where they lost to the Denver Nuggets 99–88.
Since 1990, the Minnesota Timberwolves have played their home games at Target Center.
In 1991, the Minnesota Timberwolves fared far worse under Bill Musselman's successor, ex-Celtics coach Jimmy Rodgers.
On April 20, 2016, the Timberwolves agreed to sign Tom Thibodeau to be their head coach and president of basketball operations, who was previously an assistant coach for the team from 1989 to 1991.
In 1994, Ratner and Wolfenson nearly sold the Minnesota Timberwolves to New Orleans interests before NBA owners rejected the proposed move. Glen Taylor eventually bought the team.
In 1994, the Target Center served as host of the All-Star Game, where Isaiah Rider won the Slam Dunk Contest with his between-the-leg "East Bay Funk Dunk".
Flip Saunders was promoted to head coach for the 2014-15 season, marking his second stint with the Timberwolves after coaching the team from 1995 to 2005.
In 1995, the Minnesota Timberwolves selected Kevin Garnett in the NBA draft, and Flip Saunders was named head coach. Christian Laettner was traded along with Sean Rooks to the Atlanta Hawks for Andrew Lang and Spud Webb.
In the 1995 NBA draft, the Minnesota Timberwolves acquired Kevin Garnett, which led to eight consecutive playoff appearances from 1997 to 2004.
As part of the NBA's 75th anniversary, the Minnesota Timberwolves' "City" uniform in the 2021–22 season mixed various elements from the franchise's previous uniforms. The tree accents and lettering visually honored the 1996–2008 uniforms.
In 1996, after drafting Kevin Garnett, the Minnesota Timberwolves design team changed their uniforms, adding black and gray and changing to a darker shade of blue.
In 1996, the Timberwolves traded Ray Allen to the Milwaukee Bucks for Stephon Marbury. With the additions, the Timberwolves made the playoffs for the first time in franchise history.
In the 2023-24 season, the Minnesota Timberwolves brought back the original 1989–1996 white uniform for its "Classic" edition, this to celebrate the franchise's 35th season.
For the 1997–98 season, the Minnesota Timberwolves introduced a black alternate uniform.
In 1997, Kevin Garnett and Stephon Marbury rose to prominence as the Timberwolves made the playoffs for the second straight season, later winning their first postseason game.
In 1997, the Minnesota Timberwolves qualified for the playoffs, marking the start of an eight-season streak.
On August 30, 2018, the Minnesota Timberwolves unveiled their first "Classic" edition uniforms based on the black alternates used from 1997 to 2008.
In 1998, the Timberwolves were used as the poster child of irresponsible spending as the NBA endured a four-month lockout. Tom Gugliotta also departed.
In 1999, Stephon Marbury was traded to the New Jersey Nets, and the Timberwolves received Terrell Brandon in return. The Wolves made the playoffs for the third straight season.
In 1999, the Timberwolves drafted Wally Szczerbiak. Led by Kevin Garnett, the Timberwolves had their first 50-win season.
In 2000, guard Malik Sealy was killed in a car accident by a drunk driver. His number 2 jersey was retired, making it the only number retired by the team.
The Timberwolves opened the 1999–2000 regular season with two home games against the Sacramento Kings at the Tokyo Dome on November 6 and 7, 2000.
In 2001, Joe Smith's free agent deal was voided due to contract violations, leading to penalties for the Timberwolves. Despite setbacks, the team made the playoffs but was eliminated in the first round by the San Antonio Spurs.
In 2002, Kevin Garnett finished second in MVP voting, averaging 23.0 points and 13.4 rebounds per game. The Timberwolves finished with a 51-31 record and were awarded home-court advantage but were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs.
In 2002, The NBA reduced penalties imposed on the Timberwolves, who were initially stripped of five first round draft picks spanning from 2001 to 2005, due to violating procedure when signing Joe Smith. The Timberwolves had their first round draft picks for 2002 and 2004 restored.
During the 2003 NBA season, despite injuries to Olowokandi and Szczerbiak, the revamped Timberwolves finished as the top seed in the Western Conference with a 58–24 record. Kevin Garnett was named MVP, averaging 24.2 points, 13.9 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game.
In 2003, Rob Babcock was promoted to vice-president of player personnel. The Timberwolves made key trades acquiring Ervin Johnson, Sam Cassell, and Latrell Sprewell and signed Fred Hoiberg and Michael Olowokandi.
Before the 2024 series sweep, the Minnesota Timberwolves' previous series win was in 2004.
In 2004, The NBA reduced penalties imposed on the Timberwolves, who were initially stripped of five first round draft picks spanning from 2001 to 2005, due to violating procedure when signing Joe Smith. The Timberwolves had their first round draft picks for 2002 and 2004 restored.
In 2004, the Minnesota Timberwolves won their first division championship and advanced to the Western Conference finals. Kevin Garnett was also named the NBA Most Valuable Player for that season.
In 2014, the Timberwolves accumulated 40 wins for the first time since the 2004–05 season, but missed the playoffs for the tenth consecutive year, despite holding the league's highest point differential at the end of the season.
The 2023–24 season was their best since 2004, as they recorded 56 wins and landed the third seed in the Western Conference.
The Timberwolves ended their season with a 47–35 record in 2017, which became the first winning season since the 2004–05 season, and secured the last spot in the playoffs on the final day of the regular season.
The Timberwolves finished the 2021–22 season with a 46–36 record, the second-most regular season wins since making the conference finals in 2004.
On June 17, 2005, Dwane Casey was hired as the new head coach of the Timberwolves. This was Casey's first head coaching job, making him the Wolves' seventh head coach in their 16-year history.
After missing the postseason in 2005, the Minnesota Timberwolves entered a rebuilding phase that lasted for more than a decade.
Flip Saunders was promoted to head coach for the 2014-15 season, marking his second stint with the Timberwolves after coaching the team from 1995 to 2005.
In 2005, The NBA reduced penalties imposed on the Timberwolves, who were initially stripped of five first round draft picks spanning from 2001 to 2005, due to violating procedure when signing Joe Smith.
The Timberwolves win over the Los Angeles Lakers on March 28, 2014 marked the Timberwolves' first season-series win over the Lakers since the 2005-06 season.
On January 26, 2006, the Timberwolves traded Wally Szczerbiak, Dwayne Jones, Michael Olowokandi, and a future first-round draft pick to the Boston Celtics. In return, they received Ricky Davis, Mark Blount, Justin Reed, Marcus Banks, and two second-round draft picks. In a separate trade on the same day, the Timberwolves traded Tskitishvili to the Phoenix Suns for a 2006 second-round draft pick.
On July 31, 2007, the Minnesota Timberwolves traded All-Star Kevin Garnett to the Boston Celtics for Al Jefferson, Theo Ratliff, Gerald Green, Sebastian Telfair, Ryan Gomes, two first-round draft picks, and cash considerations. This was the largest combination of players and picks ever traded for a single player in NBA history.
In 2007, Kevin Garnett was traded from the Timberwolves to the Boston Celtics.
The black alternate uniforms that were first introduced during the 1997-98 season, were used until the 2007–08 season.
On June 25, 2008, the Minnesota Timberwolves unveiled a new alternate logo.
On October 14, 2008, in celebration of the franchise's 20th anniversary, the team unveiled an updated version of its logo and uniforms. The new designs first appeared in the first preseason game against the Chicago Bulls at United Center. They also refurbished the floor at Target Center, returning to the traditional floor pattern and added touches of varnish while exposing most of the hardwood.
On December 8, 2008, after a 23-point loss to the Los Angeles Clippers that dropped the team to 4–15, the Timberwolves fired head coach Randy Wittman and Kevin McHale took over. McHale also relinquished his vice president of basketball operations duties.
As part of the NBA's 75th anniversary, the Minnesota Timberwolves' "City" uniform in the 2021–22 season mixed various elements from the franchise's previous uniforms. The tree accents and lettering visually honored the 1996–2008 uniforms.
In the 2008 off-season, the Minnesota Timberwolves' uniforms changed again, with the road jerseys reading "Minnesota" and the home jerseys reading "Wolves".
On August 30, 2018, the Minnesota Timberwolves unveiled their first "Classic" edition uniforms based on the black alternates used from 1997 to 2008.
On February 8, 2009, Al Jefferson tore his ACL in his right knee in a game at New Orleans, sidelining him for the rest of the season. At the time of the injury, Jefferson was having his best season to date, averaging 23 points, 11 rebounds and 2 blocks.
On June 17, 2009, David Kahn, new president of basketball operations, announced that Kevin McHale would not be returning as head coach. McHale stated that he wanted to return but was not offered a contract.
During the 2009–10 season, the Minnesota Timberwolves brought back the blue uniforms from their inaugural season as part of the franchise's 20th anniversary.
On July 12, 2010, Minnesota traded for Miami Heat forward Michael Beasley, the second pick from the 2008 NBA draft.
On August 16, 2010, the Minnesota Timberwolves unveiled modified uniforms, eliminating the green from the collar, jersey, and shorts and adjusting the number font.
On November 12, 2010, Kevin Love grabbed a franchise-record 31 rebounds and scored 31 points in a win over the New York Knicks, the NBA's first 30–30 game in 28 years.
On November 23, 2010, the Minnesota Timberwolves unveiled a black alternate uniform.
On February 8, 2011, Kevin Love broke Kevin Garnett's team record of 37 straight double-doubles in a win over the Houston Rockets.
On February 21, 2011, Corey Brewer and Kosta Koufos were traded to the New York Knicks and Denver Nuggets respectively for Knicks Anthony Randolph and Eddy Curry (plus $3 million in cash from New York and a 2015 second-round draft pick from Denver) as part of a larger trade that sent all-star Carmelo Anthony from Denver to New York.
On March 8, 2011, Kevin Love acquired his 52nd straight double-double, surpassing the mark of Moses Malone for the most consecutive double-doubles since the NBA-ABA merger in a win over the Indiana Pacers.
On July 12, 2011, Kurt Rambis was fired as coach of the team after compiling a 32–132 record in two seasons with the team.
On September 13, 2011, the Timberwolves announced that they had hired Rick Adelman to be the team's new head coach.
In October 2011, Kevin Love was ranked 16th among active players by ESPN.
On March 9, 2012, Ricky Rubio tore his left ACL and LCL in a collision with Kobe Bryant. The injury ended his season and severely hurt the Timberwolves' chances of making the playoffs.
On November 27, 2013, the Minnesota Timberwolves changed their black road alternate jersey to a short sleeved jersey due to the NBA's introduction of sleeved jerseys.
On March 28, 2014, the Minnesota Timberwolves set a franchise record for points in a regular season game with a 143–107 win over the Los Angeles Lakers. This win also marked the Timberwolves' first season-series win over the Lakers since the 2005–06 season.
On April 21, 2014, Rick Adelman announced his retirement from coaching in the NBA. Adelman acquired a 97–133 record in three seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
On June 6, 2014, Flip Saunders was named the head coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves, returning to the franchise for a second stint.
On August 23, 2014, the Minnesota Timberwolves, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Philadelphia 76ers agreed on a three-way trade. Kevin Love was sent to the Cavaliers. The Timberwolves received Andrew Wiggins, Anthony Bennett, Thaddeus Young, and a trade exception. The 76ers received Alexey Shved, Luc Mbah a Moute, and a 2015 first-round pick via the Miami Heat.
On November 12, 2014, the Minnesota Timberwolves played an international home game at Mexico City Arena against the Houston Rockets.
Due to having the worst record in the NBA for the 2014–15 season, the Timberwolves had the highest chance, at 25%, to receive the first pick in the 2015 NBA draft at the 2015 NBA draft lottery.
The 2014–15 season also saw the return of Kevin Garnett. In February 2015, Garnett, at the time with the Brooklyn Nets, waived his no-trade clause to enable a trade back to Minnesota which sent Thaddeus Young to Brooklyn.
In February 2015, Kevin Garnett returned to the Timberwolves in a trade.
In February 2015, Kevin Garnett, then with the Brooklyn Nets, waived his no-trade clause to enable a trade back to Minnesota. The Timberwolves sent Thaddeus Young to Brooklyn as part of the deal. Garnett resumed wearing the No. 21 jersey in his first game back.
On October 25, 2015, Flip Saunders died at age 60. Sam Mitchell took over as head coach. The team announced that they would wear a patch reading "FLIP" on their uniforms for the duration of the 2015–16 season.
On August 23, 2014, as part of a three-way trade, the Philadelphia 76ers received a 2015 first-round pick via the Miami Heat, alongside Alexey Shved and Luc Mbah a Moute.
On May 19, 2015, the Minnesota Timberwolves received the first overall pick in the NBA draft for the first time in franchise history. On June 25, they selected Karl-Anthony Towns as the number one pick and acquired Minnesota's own Tyus Jones through a trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
On April 20, 2016, the Minnesota Timberwolves agreed to sign Tom Thibodeau to be their head coach and president of basketball operations.
On September 23, 2016, Kevin Garnett announced his retirement after 21 seasons in the NBA.
In the 2016 off-season, Kevin Garnett retired from professional basketball, concluding his career with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
On April 11, 2017, the Minnesota Timberwolves unveiled a new logo to coincide with the massive roster turnaround.
On June 22, 2017, the Minnesota Timberwolves acquired Jimmy Butler and the 16th overall pick in the 2017 draft in trade for Zach Lavine, Kris Dunn and the 7th overall pick in the draft. The Timberwolves selected Justin Patton with the 16th overall pick.
On August 10, 2017, the Minnesota Timberwolves' Association Edition uniform was revealed, consisting of a white uniform with navy and blue stripes and lettering.
As part of the NBA's 75th anniversary, the Minnesota Timberwolves' "City" uniform in the 2021–22 season mixed various elements from the franchise's previous uniforms. The dark blue accents were inspired by the 2017–18 "City" uniforms.
On August 30, 2018, the Minnesota Timberwolves unveiled their first "Classic" edition uniforms based on the black alternates used from 1997 to 2008.
On November 12, 2018, the Minnesota Timberwolves traded Jimmy Butler and Justin Patton to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for Robert Covington, Dario Šarić, Jerryd Bayless and a 2022 second-round draft pick.
In 2018, the Minnesota Timberwolves ended a 14-year playoff drought by returning to the postseason.
On January 6, 2019, Tom Thibodeau was fired as head coach and president of basketball operations. Ryan Saunders was named as interim head coach.
On November 20, 2019, the Minnesota Timberwolves' 2019–20 "City" uniform was unveiled, featuring a sky blue base with white letters and trim that paid homage to the waters of the Mississippi River and the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area.
In 2019, Gersson Rosas was hired as president of basketball operations. Ryan Saunders was hired to a multi-year deal to become the team's permanent head coach. The Timberwolves drafted Jarrett Culver with the 6th pick and Jaylen Nowell with the 43rd pick.
On February 6, 2020, the Minnesota Timberwolves traded Andrew Wiggins to the Golden State Warriors for D'Angelo Russell.
In the off-season, the Minnesota Timberwolves signed former 2020 draft pick Leandro Bolmaro to a 4-year, 11.8-million-dollar rookie contract.
On February 21, 2021, head coach Ryan Saunders was fired, and Toronto Raptors assistant coach Chris Finch was hired to replace him.
On September 22, 2021, after Gersson Rosas was relieved of his President of Basketball Operations duties, Sachin Gupta was promoted as the new interim president of basketball operations.
As part of the NBA's 75th anniversary, the Minnesota Timberwolves' "City" uniform in the 2021–22 season mixed various elements from the franchise's previous uniforms.
In 2021, Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez made an agreement with Glen Taylor regarding the ownership transfer of the Timberwolves and WNBA's Lynx.
On May 23, 2022, the Minnesota Timberwolves hired Tim Connelly as their president of basketball operations.
On July 1, 2022, the Minnesota Timberwolves traded Malik Beasley, Patrick Beverley, Jarred Vanderbilt, Leandro Bolmaro, and 2022 22nd pick Walker Kessler and 4 future first round draft picks for Rudy Gobert from the Utah Jazz.
On November 28, 2022, Karl-Anthony Towns suffered a severe calf strain that cost him 52 games. This injury pushed Anthony Edwards into a leadership role, with the first-time All-Star guiding the team to a 42–40 finish and a play-in tournament berth.
Beginning with the 2022–23 season, the Minnesota Timberwolves unveiled a new "Statement" uniform, relegating neon green to trim color and featured a dark gray base. Also during the season, a new "City" uniform was unveiled, featuring a white base, black letters and stripes, and rainbow palette to represent Minnesota's colorful community.
On July 21, 2021, it was announced that Lore and Rodriguez had purchased 20% of the team. They went on to purchase 20% more in 2022 before the deal stalled in 2024.
On November 12, 2018, the Minnesota Timberwolves traded Butler and Justin Patton to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for Robert Covington, Dario Šarić, Jerryd Bayless and a 2022 second-round draft pick.
The Timberwolves finished the 2021–22 season with a 46–36 record and beat the Los Angeles Clippers in the play-in game to secure their spot in the 2022 NBA playoffs.
In 2023, the Minnesota Timberwolves played against the Denver Nuggets in a rematch of their first round series, leading to a decisive Game 7 where the Timberwolves secured a spot in the Western Conference Finals.
In the 2023–24 season, the Minnesota Timberwolves' "City" uniform featured a mostly blue base with white lake water gradients. A special alternate court for the 2023 NBA in-season tournament was also unveiled. For the season, the Timberwolves brought back the original 1989–1996 white uniform for its "Classic" edition.
The 2023–24 season was their best since 2004, as they recorded 56 wins and landed the third seed in the Western Conference.
On March 27, 2024, Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez were expected to make their final payment installment to Glen Taylor, but they failed to do so, jeopardizing their acquisition of the Timberwolves.
On May 1, 2024, the parties involved in the Minnesota Timberwolves sale dispute met to mediate, but no agreement was reached.
On October 23, 2024, the Minnesota Timberwolves reached a three-year, $110 million contract extension with Rudy Gobert, retaining the Defensive Player of the Year.
During the 2024 off-season, the Minnesota Timberwolves traded Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks for Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, and a first round pick.
In 2024, the Minnesota Timberwolves swept the Phoenix Suns 4-0 in the first round of the playoffs, marking their first series win since 2004 and the first series sweep in Minnesota men's professional sports history. Anthony Edwards' performance drew comparisons to Michael Jordan.
In 2024, the final installment in the phased purchase agreement between Alex Rodriguez, Marc Lore, and Glen Taylor is scheduled to occur.
On July 21, 2021, it was announced that Lore and Rodriguez had purchased 20% of the team. They went on to purchase 20% more in 2022 before the deal stalled in 2024.
The 2024 season began with Julius Randle averaging 18.9 points and the team facing challenges with communication and chemistry, leading to public frustration from Anthony Edwards.
The Minnesota Timberwolves' 2024–25 "City" uniform served as the inverse of last season's "City" uniform, with a mostly white base, ice blue gradients and black accents, capturing the winter landscape of Minnesota.
In January 2025, Julius Randle suffered an injury, and Anthony Edwards became the Minnesota Timberwolves' all-time leader in made three-pointers on January 25th, surpassing Karl-Anthony Towns.
In April 2025, Taylor agreed to complete the sale to Rodriguez and Lore for the originally agreed $1.5 billion, pending final approval by the NBA Board of Governors.
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