History of Minnesota Timberwolves in Timeline
The Minnesota Timberwolves, established in 1989, are a professional basketball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Competing in the NBA's Western Conference Northwest Division, the team's home games are held at the Target Center, where they've played since 1990. Glen Taylor, owner of the WNBA's Minnesota Lynx, also holds majority ownership of the Timberwolves.
1947: Minneapolis Lakers Era Begins
This year marked the beginning of the Minneapolis Lakers era, a period when professional basketball thrived in the Twin Cities.
1960: Minneapolis Lakers Relocate to Los Angeles
The departure of the Minneapolis Lakers to Los Angeles in 1960 left a void in the Twin Cities' basketball landscape.
1967: Minnesota Muskies Join the ABA
The formation of the Minnesota Muskies in 1967 brought the American Basketball Association (ABA) to the Twin Cities, providing an alternative professional basketball league for fans to enjoy.
1968: Minnesota Pipers Replace Muskies in ABA
The Minnesota Pipers replaced the Muskies in 1968, continuing the ABA's presence in the Twin Cities for a brief period.
1984: Prince Releases 'Purple Rain' Album
Prince released his iconic album "Purple Rain" in 1984. The album would later inspire one of the Timberwolves' "City" uniforms.
December 1986: "Timberwolves" and "Polars" Emerge as Finalists
Following a "name the team" contest, "Timberwolves" and "Polars" were shortlisted as the final two potential names for the franchise.
January 23, 1987: "Minnesota Timberwolves" Officially Announced
On January 23, 1987, the expansion team officially adopted the name "Minnesota Timberwolves," reflecting the state's significant timber wolf population.
April 22, 1987: NBA Expansion Team Granted
The NBA granted an expansion team to Minneapolis on April 22, 1987, paving the way for the return of professional basketball to the Twin Cities.
1989: NBA Returns to the Twin Cities
NBA basketball returned to the Twin Cities in 1989 with the establishment of the Minnesota Timberwolves, marking the end of a three-decade absence of the sport in the region.
1989: Timberwolves Appoint Tom Thibodeau as Head Coach and President
The Minnesota Timberwolves reached an agreement with Tom Thibodeau on April 20, 2016, appointing him as their head coach and president of basketball operations. Thibodeau had previously served as an assistant coach for the team from 1989 to 1991.
1989: Timberwolves Debut Inaugural Uniforms
The Timberwolves debuted their first uniforms in 1989, featuring blue, green, and white color schemes.
April 17, 1990: Record-Breaking Attendance at the Metrodome
On April 17, 1990, the Timberwolves played their final home game of the season at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, attracting a crowd of 49,551, setting an NBA attendance record at the time.
1991: Timberwolves Appoint Tom Thibodeau as Head Coach and President
The Minnesota Timberwolves reached an agreement with Tom Thibodeau on April 20, 2016, appointing him as their head coach and president of basketball operations. Thibodeau had previously served as an assistant coach for the team from 1989 to 1991.
1991: Move to Target Center and Coaching Changes
The Timberwolves moved into their permanent home, the Target Center, for the 1991 season, but faced challenges on the court, leading to coaching changes.
1994: Near Relocation and Ownership Change
In 1994, the Timberwolves faced a potential relocation to New Orleans, but the move was rejected by NBA owners, eventually leading to Glen Taylor purchasing the team.
1994: All-Star Game at Target Center and Isaiah Rider's Slam Dunk Title
The Target Center hosted the 1994 NBA All-Star Game, where Timberwolves guard Isaiah Rider won the Slam Dunk Contest.
1995: Drafting of Kevin Garnett and Key Trades
The 1995 NBA draft was significant for the Timberwolves as they selected Kevin Garnett and made key trades, shaping the future of the franchise.
1995: Flip Saunders Returns for Second Stint as Head Coach
The 2014-15 season marked a new era for the Minnesota Timberwolves, with Flip Saunders returning for his second stint as head coach, having previously led the team from 1995 to 2005.
1995: Kevin Garnett Drafted
The Timberwolves selected high school standout Kevin Garnett in the first round of the 1995 NBA draft.
1996: Timberwolves Introduce New Uniform Era
The Timberwolves introduced a new era of uniforms in 1996, which would later inspire elements of their 2021-22 "City" uniform.
1996: Timberwolves Introduce Black and Gray to Uniform
The Timberwolves redesigned their uniforms in 1996, incorporating black and gray into the color scheme and adding the full team name, "Timberwolves," to the front of the jerseys.
1996: Timberwolves Retire Original Uniform
The Timberwolves retired their original uniform in 1996, but it would make a comeback in 2023 as a "Classic" edition.
1996: Stephon Marbury Joins the Team and First Playoff Appearance
The addition of Stephon Marbury in 1996 had a transformative impact on the Timberwolves. The team achieved its first-ever playoff appearance and underwent a rebranding, introducing a new logo and color scheme.
1997: Garnett and Marbury Shine, Second Playoff Appearance
Kevin Garnett and Stephon Marbury continued to excel in 1997, leading the Timberwolves to their second consecutive playoff appearance, showcasing their growth as a formidable duo.
1997: First Winning Season and Playoff Series Win
The 1997 season saw the Timberwolves achieve their first winning record (45-37) and their first playoff series win, defeating the Seattle SuperSonics.
1997: Timberwolves Begin Using Black Alternate Uniforms
The Timberwolves began using their black alternate uniforms in 1997. These would later inspire their "Classic" edition uniforms.
1998: NBA Lockout and Roster Changes
The 1998 NBA lockout impacted the Timberwolves, leading to financial constraints and roster moves. Tom Gugliotta's departure aimed to facilitate Stephon Marbury's signing, but Marbury's desire for stardom led to his mid-season trade to the Nets. The Wolves received Terrell Brandon and a future draft pick in return. Despite the turmoil, they reached the playoffs for the third consecutive year but lost to the eventual champions, the San Antonio Spurs.
1999: Drafting Szczerbiak and First 50-Win Season
The Timberwolves drafted Wally Szczerbiak in 1999, who became a key contributor. Led by Kevin Garnett's stellar performance, the team achieved their first 50-win season and secured third place. Despite their regular-season success, they faced another first-round playoff exit, this time against the Portland Trail Blazers.
2000: Tragic Loss of Malik Sealy
In a heartbreaking event, guard Malik Sealy died in a car accident caused by a drunk driver in 2000. To honor his contribution, the Timberwolves retired his number 2 jersey, making it the only number retired by the franchise.
2001: Joe Smith Contract Voided and Playoff Disappointment
The NBA voided Joe Smith's contract with the Timberwolves in 2001 due to salary cap violations. The team faced penalties, including the loss of draft picks and fines. Despite this setback, they reached the playoffs for the fifth straight year but were eliminated in the first round by the San Antonio Spurs.
2002: Loss of Draft Picks Due to Joe Smith Contract Violation
As part of the penalties from the Joe Smith contract violation in 2001, the Timberwolves lost their first-round pick in the 2002 NBA draft.
2002: Garnett's MVP Caliber Season and Playoff Heartbreak
Kevin Garnett delivered an MVP-worthy performance in the 2002-2003 season, leading the Timberwolves to a third-place finish. Despite having home-court advantage against the reigning champions, the Los Angeles Lakers, they suffered a first-round exit after a hard-fought series, marking their seventh consecutive year without advancing past the first round.
2003: Garnett's MVP Season and Team Success
The 2003-2004 season saw the Timberwolves become a dominant force, finishing with the top seed in the Western Conference. Kevin Garnett had a career-best season, earning him the NBA Most Valuable Player award. Sam Cassell and Latrell Sprewell also had stellar performances, contributing to the team's success.
2003: Roster Overhaul and Off-Season Acquisitions
Under the leadership of Rob Babcock, the Timberwolves made significant roster changes in 2003. Key trades brought in Ervin Johnson, Sam Cassell, and Latrell Sprewell, while free agent signings included sharpshooter Fred Hoiberg and former first overall pick Michael Olowokandi.
2004: Contract Disputes and Coaching Change
Despite a relatively unchanged roster, the 2004-2005 season proved challenging for the Timberwolves. Contract disputes and player dissatisfaction, coupled with a disappointing start, led to Flip Saunders' replacement by Kevin McHale as head coach. Despite a late-season surge, they missed the playoffs for the first time in eight years.
2004: Timberwolves Secure First Winning Season Since 2004-05
Despite missing the playoffs for the tenth straight year, the Timberwolves achieved 40 wins for the first time since the 2004-2005 season.
2004: Historic Playoff Run and Western Conference Finals Appearance
In 2004, the Timberwolves achieved a historic milestone by winning their first-ever playoff series against the Denver Nuggets. They followed this with a hard-fought victory against the Sacramento Kings, advancing to their first Western Conference Finals. Unfortunately, their remarkable run ended with a loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, hampered by Sam Cassell's injury during the Kings series.
2004: First Division Championship and Western Conference Finals Appearance
In 2004, the Timberwolves won their first division championship and advanced to the Western Conference Finals for the first time in franchise history.
2004: Timberwolves' First Western Conference Finals Appearance
The Timberwolves' 2024 appearance in the Western Conference Finals coincided with the 20th anniversary of their first appearance in 2004.
2004: Timberwolves End Playoff Series Drought
The Timberwolves' 2024 first-round win marked their first playoff series win since 2004.
June 17, 2005: Hiring of Dwane Casey as Head Coach
On June 17, 2005, the Timberwolves appointed Dwane Casey as their new head coach, marking his first head coaching position in the NBA. This decision made him the seventh head coach in the franchise's 16-year history.
2005: Timberwolves Secure First Winning Season Since 2004-05
Despite missing the playoffs for the tenth straight year, the Timberwolves achieved 40 wins for the first time since the 2004-2005 season.
2005: Search for a New Head Coach
Following the disappointing end to the previous season, the Timberwolves began their search for a new head coach in 2005. Kevin McHale conducted interviews with various candidates, including assistant coaches from other teams and within the Timberwolves organization.
2005: Drafting Future Prospects
In the 2005 NBA Draft, the Timberwolves selected shooting guard Rashad McCants from North Carolina with their first-round pick. They also drafted guard Bracey Wright from Indiana in the second round.
2005: Flip Saunders Returns for Second Stint as Head Coach
The 2014-15 season marked a new era for the Minnesota Timberwolves, with Flip Saunders returning for his second stint as head coach, having previously led the team from 1995 to 2005.
2005: End of Playoff Streak
The Timberwolves' playoff streak ended in 2005 when they missed the postseason.
January 26, 2006: Significant Roster Changes and Another Playoff Miss
On January 26, 2006, the Timberwolves engaged in a major trade, sending Wally Szczerbiak, Dwayne Jones, Michael Olowokandi, and a future first-round pick to the Boston Celtics in exchange for Ricky Davis, Mark Blount, Justin Reed, Marcus Banks, and two second-round picks. Despite the roster shake-up, they finished the season with a 33-49 record, missing the playoffs for the second consecutive year.
2006: 2006 NBA Draft
In the 2006 NBA draft, the Timberwolves selected Brandon Roy, Craig Smith, Bobby Jones, and Loukas Mavrokefalidis. They traded Roy to the Portland Trail Blazers for Randy Foye and cash, and Jones to the Philadelphia 76ers for a future draft pick and cash.
2006: Coaching Change
Kevin McHale fired head coach Dwane Casey due to inconsistency, replacing him with Randy Wittman.
2006: Timberwolves Briefly Switch to KLCI for Radio Broadcasts
The Minnesota Timberwolves temporarily moved their radio broadcasts to KLCI BOB 106.1 FM for the 2006-2007 and 2007-2008 seasons.
July 31, 2007: Kevin Garnett Trade
The Timberwolves traded Kevin Garnett to the Boston Celtics in a landmark deal involving multiple players and draft picks. It was the largest trade for a single player in NBA history at the time.
2007: Alan Horton Joins the Timberwolves as Radio Play-by-Play Announcer
Alan Horton became the play-by-play announcer for the Minnesota Timberwolves on the radio in the 2007-2008 season.
2007: Kevin Garnett Traded to Boston
In 2007, Kevin Garnett was traded to the Boston Celtics after a successful tenure with the Timberwolves.
2007: Love Ends All-Star Drought
Kevin Love was named an All-Star for the 2010-2011 season, the franchise's first since Kevin Garnett in 2007.
2007: Post-Garnett Era Begins
The Timberwolves began the season 0-5, sparking speculation about coach Wittman's future. The team, adjusting to life after Garnett, showed potential in some games but finished with a 22-60 record.
2007: 2007 NBA Draft
The Timberwolves drafted Corey Brewer and Chris Richard, both from the NCAA champion Florida Gators, in the 2007 NBA draft.
2007: Trades and Draft Picks
The Timberwolves traded Bobby Jones to the Philadelphia 76ers for a 2007 second-round pick and cash.
2007: Timberwolves Retire 1996-2007 Uniform Set
The Timberwolves used their 1996 uniform design until the end of the 2007-08 season.
June 25, 2008: Timberwolves Unveil New Alternate Logo
The Timberwolves introduced a new alternate logo on June 25, 2008.
October 14, 2008: New Look for the Timberwolves
The Timberwolves unveiled a new logo and uniforms to celebrate their 20th anniversary. They also renovated the Target Center floor, returning to a traditional design.
December 8, 2008: Wittman Out, McHale In
After a poor start to the season, the Timberwolves fired coach Randy Wittman. Kevin McHale took over as coach, relinquishing his front-office duties.
2008: Timberwolves Update Uniforms with 'Minnesota' and 'Wolves'
In 2008, the Timberwolves updated their uniforms, featuring "Minnesota" on the road jerseys and "Wolves" on the home jerseys, similar to their earlier designs.
2008: Garnett Wins Championship
Kevin Garnett and the Boston Celtics won the 2008 NBA Finals after the trade from the Timberwolves.
2008: Beasley Joins Timberwolves
Michael Beasley, the second pick in the 2008 draft, was traded to the Timberwolves.
2008: Timberwolves Conclude Uniform Era
The Timberwolves concluded an era of uniforms in 2008. This era would later inspire their 2021-22 "City" uniform.
2008: Draft Day Trade
The Timberwolves selected O.J. Mayo in the draft but traded him, Antoine Walker, Greg Buckner, and Marko Jarić to the Memphis Grizzlies for Kevin Love, Mike Miller, Jason Collins, and Brian Cardinal.
2008: Timberwolves End Use of Black Alternate Uniforms
The Timberwolves stopped using their black alternate uniforms in 2008.
2008: Trades and Buyout
The Timberwolves traded Mike James and Justin Reed to the Houston Rockets for Juwan Howard, later waiving Howard after a buyout agreement. They also traded Ricky Davis and Mark Blount to the Miami Heat for Antoine Walker, Michael Doleac, Wayne Simien, and a future draft pick.
February 8, 2009: Jefferson's Injury Derails Season
Al Jefferson, having his best season, suffered a season-ending ACL injury. The Timberwolves struggled without him, finishing with a 24-58 record.
June 17, 2009: McHale's Tenure Ends
New president David Kahn announced that Kevin McHale would not return as coach, without providing a specific reason. McHale later stated he wanted to stay but wasn't offered a contract.
2009: Timberwolves Revive Classic Blue Uniforms
During the 2009-10 season, the Timberwolves brought back their blue uniforms from their inaugural season as part of their 20th-anniversary celebration.
July 12, 2010: Timberwolves Acquire Beasley
Minnesota traded for Miami Heat forward Michael Beasley, the second pick from the 2008 NBA draft.
August 16, 2010: Timberwolves Modify Uniforms, Remove Green
On August 16, 2010, the Timberwolves made modifications to their uniforms, removing the color green and adjusting the number font.
November 12, 2010: Love's Historic Performance
Kevin Love recorded a franchise-record 31 rebounds and scored 31 points in a win against the New York Knicks, the first 30-30 game in the NBA in 28 years.
November 23, 2010: Timberwolves Unveil Black Alternate Uniform
The Timberwolves introduced a new black alternate uniform on November 23, 2010.
2010: Timberwolves Finish Last in Western Conference
The Minnesota Timberwolves concluded the 2010 season with a dismal 17-65 record, securing last place in the Western Conference for the second consecutive year.
February 8, 2011: Love Breaks Double-Double Record
Love surpassed Kevin Garnett's team record for consecutive double-doubles.
February 21, 2011: Multi-Team Trade
The Timberwolves traded Corey Brewer and Kosta Koufos in a multi-team deal that involved the New York Knicks and Denver Nuggets.
March 8, 2011: Love Sets Post-Merger Record
Love surpassed Moses Malone's record for most consecutive double-doubles since the NBA-ABA merger.
July 12, 2011: Timberwolves Fire Coach Kurt Rambis
On July 12, 2011, the Minnesota Timberwolves dismissed coach Kurt Rambis after he accumulated a 32-132 record over two seasons.
September 13, 2011: Timberwolves Hire Rick Adelman as Head Coach
On September 13, 2011, the Minnesota Timberwolves announced the appointment of Rick Adelman as their new head coach.
October 2011: Love Ranked Among Active Players
Love was ranked 16th among active players by ESPN.
2011: Timberwolves' Playoff Hopes Dashed by Injuries
Despite a promising 17-17 start in the 2011-2012 season, the Minnesota Timberwolves' playoff aspirations were hampered by injuries to key players, leading to an eighth consecutive season without a postseason appearance.
2011: WCCO Becomes the Radio Home for the Timberwolves
In 2011, WCCO became the radio broadcaster for the Minnesota Timberwolves.
2011: Timberwolves Secure Rubio, Williams, and Miller
In 2011, the Timberwolves welcomed Ricky Rubio from Spain and drafted Derrick Williams. They also traded for Brad Miller while acquiring draft rights to Nikola Mirotić and Chandler Parsons.
March 9, 2012: Rubio's Season Ends with ACL and LCL Tear
On March 9, 2012, Ricky Rubio's season was cut short due to a devastating left ACL and LCL tear sustained during a collision with Kobe Bryant, impacting the Timberwolves' playoff hopes.
November 27, 2013: Timberwolves Introduce Short-Sleeved Alternate Jersey
In response to the NBA's adoption of sleeved jerseys, the Timberwolves changed their black road alternate jersey to a short-sleeved version on November 27, 2013.
2013: Timberwolves Trade for Shabazz Muhammad and Gorgui Dieng
In the 2013 NBA Draft, the Timberwolves traded the 9th overall pick, Trey Burke, to the Utah Jazz in exchange for Shabazz Muhammad (14th pick) and Gorgui Dieng (21st pick).
March 28, 2014: Timberwolves Set Franchise Scoring Record against Lakers
On March 28, 2014, the Minnesota Timberwolves achieved a franchise record for points in a regular season game, defeating the Los Angeles Lakers with a score of 143-107.
April 21, 2014: Rick Adelman Announces Retirement
On April 21, 2014, Rick Adelman, having concluded his three-season tenure with the Minnesota Timberwolves with a 97-133 record, announced his retirement from NBA coaching.
June 6, 2014: Flip Saunders Returns as Head Coach
On June 6, 2014, Flip Saunders rejoined the Minnesota Timberwolves, marking his second stint as the franchise's head coach.
August 23, 2014: Timberwolves Trade Kevin Love to Cavaliers
In a three-way trade on August 23, 2014, the Minnesota Timberwolves sent Kevin Love to the Cleveland Cavaliers, receiving Andrew Wiggins, Anthony Bennett, Thaddeus Young, and a trade exception in return.
November 12, 2014: Timberwolves Play International Home Game in Mexico City
On November 12, 2014, the Minnesota Timberwolves participated in an international home game against the Houston Rockets at Mexico City Arena.
February 2015: Kevin Garnett Returns to Minnesota
On February 2015, Kevin Garnett was traded back to the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he had spent his early career.
October 25, 2015: Flip Saunders Passes Away, Sam Mitchell Takes Over as Coach
On October 25, 2015, Flip Saunders, the head coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves, tragically passed away at the age of 60. Following Saunders' passing, Sam Mitchell assumed the role of head coach.
2015: Timberwolves Trade Kevin Love to Cavaliers
In a three-way trade on August 23, 2014, the Minnesota Timberwolves sent Kevin Love to the Cleveland Cavaliers, receiving Andrew Wiggins, Anthony Bennett, Thaddeus Young, and a trade exception in return.
2015: Timberwolves Draft Karl-Anthony Towns and Acquire Tyus Jones
In the 2015 NBA Draft, the Minnesota Timberwolves used their first overall pick to select Karl-Anthony Towns. Additionally, they acquired Tyus Jones from the Cleveland Cavaliers through a trade.
2015: Kevin Garnett Returns to Minnesota
Kevin Garnett's return to the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2015 was marked by his first game back, during which he resumed wearing his familiar No. 21 jersey. The team celebrated his return with a 97-77 victory over the Washington Wizards at the Target Center.
2015: Future Draft Pick Involved
The Timberwolves received a 2015 second-round draft pick from the Denver Nuggets as part of the trade.
April 20, 2016: Timberwolves Appoint Tom Thibodeau as Head Coach and President
The Minnesota Timberwolves reached an agreement with Tom Thibodeau on April 20, 2016, appointing him as their head coach and president of basketball operations. Thibodeau had previously served as an assistant coach for the team from 1989 to 1991.
September 23, 2016: Kevin Garnett Announces Retirement
After a remarkable 21-season career in the NBA, Kevin Garnett announced his retirement on September 23, 2016. Despite expressing a desire to play another year with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Garnett acknowledged that his knees would not be able to withstand the demands of a full season.
2016: Kevin Garnett Retires
Kevin Garnett retired from professional basketball in 2016 while playing for the Timberwolves.
April 11, 2017: Timberwolves Unveil New Logo
The Timberwolves introduced a new logo on April 11, 2017, coinciding with significant roster changes.
June 22, 2017: Jimmy Butler Trade and Draft Day Moves
On June 22, 2017, the Timberwolves traded Zach Lavine, Kris Dunn, and the 7th overall pick (Lauri Markkanen) to the Chicago Bulls for Jimmy Butler and the 16th pick (Justin Patton). This move signaled the end of the "Bounce Brothers" era (LaVine and Wiggins). The Timberwolves also signed key free agents Taj Gibson, Jeff Teague, Jamal Crawford, and Derrick Rose.
August 10, 2017: Timberwolves Reveal Nike-Designed Uniforms
As part of a league-wide initiative by Nike, the Timberwolves unveiled four new uniforms for the 2017-18 season, all featuring the "Wolves" team name and incorporating Nike and Fitbit logos. The Association Edition, primarily white, and the Icon Edition, primarily navy, were revealed on August 10, 2017.
2017: Timberwolves Unveil New 'City' Uniform Design
The Timberwolves introduced a new "City" uniform design in 2017, which would later serve as inspiration for their 2021-22 "City" uniform.
August 30, 2018: Timberwolves Introduce 'Classic' and Prince-Inspired Uniforms
On August 30, 2018, the Timberwolves revealed their first "Classic" edition uniforms, drawing inspiration from their black alternates used from 1997 to 2008. They also introduced a dark purple "City" uniform paying tribute to Prince's 1984 album "Purple Rain" and a white "Earned" version exclusively for the 16 teams that qualified for the 2018 playoffs.
November 12, 2018: Jimmy Butler Traded to Philadelphia
On November 12, 2018, The 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.
2018: Return to Playoffs
In 2018, the Timberwolves returned to the playoffs after a 14-year drought.
January 6, 2019: Thibodeau Firing and Saunders Interim Role
On January 6, 2019, Head Coach and President of Basketball Operations Tom Thibodeau was fired. Assistant Coach Ryan Saunders was named the interim head coach.
November 20, 2019: Timberwolves Unveil Sky Blue 'City' Uniform
On November 20, 2019, the Timberwolves unveiled their new "City" uniform for the 2019-20 season. The sky blue design with white accents paid homage to the Mississippi River and the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area, known as the "Twin Cities."
2019: Rosas Hiring, Saunders Appointment, and Draft Picks
In 2019, Gersson Rosas was hired as the President of Basketball Operations. Ryan Saunders was named the permanent head coach. The Timberwolves drafted Jarrett Culver as the 6th pick and Jaylen Nowell as the 43rd pick.
February 6, 2020: Wiggins Traded for Russell
On February 6, 2020, the Timberwolves traded Andrew Wiggins to the Golden State Warriors for D'Angelo Russell.
2020: Timberwolves Introduce North Star-Themed 'City' Uniform
For the 2020-21 season, the Timberwolves' "City" uniform drew inspiration from the North Star, featuring a midnight black base with aurora green trim and a green star positioned below the neckline.
2020: Off-Season Trades and Signings
In 2020, The Timberwolves traded Ricky Rubio to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Taurean Prince. They acquired Patrick Beverley from the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for Juancho Hernangomez and Jarrett Culver, and signed Leandro Bolmaro to a 4-year rookie contract.
February 21, 2021: Saunders Firing and Finch Hiring
On February 21, 2021, the Timberwolves fired head coach Ryan Saunders and hired Toronto Raptors assistant coach Chris Finch as his replacement.
April 2021: Lore and Rodriguez Ownership Agreement
In April 2021, Glen Taylor, the owner of the Timberwolves, reached an agreement with Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez to sell the team. The deal stipulated a two-year transition period, with Lore and Rodriguez gradually increasing their ownership stake.
July 21, 2021: Lore and Rodriguez Acquire 20% Stake in Timberwolves
On July 21, 2021, Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez purchased a 20% stake in the Timberwolves, marking the beginning of their transition to majority ownership. The deal valued the franchise at $1.5 Billion.
September 22, 2021: Rosas Out, Gupta In
On September 22, 2021, Gersson Rosas was fired as President of Basketball Operations, and Sachin Gupta was promoted to interim president while maintaining his role as EVP of basketball operations.
2021: Timberwolves Celebrate NBA's 75th Anniversary with Retro-Inspired Uniform
As part of the NBA's 75th-anniversary celebration, the Timberwolves' "City" uniform for the 2021-22 season incorporated elements from previous uniforms, including the royal blue from the 1989-1996 era, tree accents and lettering from the 1996-2008 uniforms, and dark blue accents inspired by the 2017-18 "City" uniforms.
May 23, 2022: Tim Connelly Appointed President of Basketball Operations
On May 23, 2022, the Timberwolves hired Tim Connelly as their new president of basketball operations, replacing Sachin Gupta. Connelly previously held the same position with the Denver Nuggets.
July 1, 2022: Rudy Gobert Trade
On July 1, 2022, the Timberwolves made a significant trade, acquiring three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert from the Utah Jazz. In exchange, they sent Malik Beasley, Patrick Beverley, Jarred Vanderbilt, Leandro Bolmaro, the 22nd pick in the 2022 draft (Walker Kessler), and four future first-round draft picks to the Jazz.
November 28, 2022: Towns Injury and Edwards' Leadership
On November 28, 2022, Karl-Anthony Towns suffered a serious calf strain that sidelined him for a significant portion of the season. In his absence, Anthony Edwards stepped up as a leader, guiding the team to the playoffs despite a challenging season.
2022: Minnesota Timberwolves End Partnership with WCCO for Radio Broadcasts
At the conclusion of the 2022-2023 season, the Minnesota Timberwolves parted ways with WCCO for their radio broadcasting.
2022: Playoff Appearance and First-Round Exit
In 2022, The Timberwolves finished the regular season with a 46-36 record, securing a playoff berth for the first time since 2018. They defeated the Los Angeles Clippers in the play-in game but lost to the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the playoffs.
2022: Timberwolves Debut New 'Statement' and 'City' Uniforms
Starting with the 2022-23 season, the Timberwolves introduced a new "Statement" uniform featuring a dark gray base and a new "City" uniform with a white base, black accents, and a rainbow palette to represent Minnesota's diverse community.
2023: Timberwolves Unveil Lake-Inspired 'City' Uniform and Classic Edition
For the 2023-24 season, the Timberwolves introduced a blue "City" uniform with lake water gradients, representing summertime activities in Minnesota. They also brought back their original 1989-1996 white uniform as a "Classic" edition to celebrate their 35th season.
2023: Minnesota Timberwolves Partner with iHeartRadio for Game Broadcasts
In 2023, the Minnesota Timberwolves announced that all their games would be broadcasted on the iHeartRadio app.
2023: Defensive Focus in Playoffs
In the 2023 NBA playoffs, the Timberwolves placed a renewed emphasis on defense, led by Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns. Their improved defensive strategies were a notable aspect of their playoff run.
March 20, 2024: Carlyle Group Withdraws Funding
On March 20, 2024, it was reported that the Carlyle Group withdrew its $300 million commitment to Lore and Rodriguez for the purchase of the Timberwolves.
March 21, 2024: Blue Owl Capital Provides Funding
On March 21, 2024, Lore and Rodriguez secured funding from Blue Owl Capital, seemingly putting the Timberwolves sale back on track.
March 27, 2024: Missed Payment Deadline
March 27, 2024, was the deadline for Lore and Rodriguez to submit their final payment to Glen Taylor to increase their ownership stake to 80%. They missed the deadline.
March 28, 2024: Sale to Lore and Rodriguez Falls Through
On March 28, 2024, Glen Taylor announced that the sale of the Timberwolves to Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez was off after Lore and Rodriguez missed their final payment deadline.
April 4, 2024: Timberwolves' Last Roster Transaction
As per the provided information, the Timberwolves' most recent roster transaction occurred on April 4, 2024.
May 1, 2024: Mediation Fails
On May 1, 2024, a mediation session between Glen Taylor, Marc Lore, and Alex Rodriguez, aimed at salvaging the sale of the Timberwolves, ended without a resolution.
2024: Timberwolves Sweep Suns in First Round
In the first round of the 2024 NBA playoffs, the Minnesota Timberwolves swept the Phoenix Suns 4-0.
2024: Timberwolves Advance to Western Conference Finals
The Minnesota Timberwolves advanced to the Western Conference Finals in 2024 after defeating the defending champion Denver Nuggets. This marked only the second time in franchise history that the team reached the conference finals.
