History of Minnesota Timberwolves in Timeline

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Minnesota Timberwolves

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.

1947: Minneapolis Lakers Era Start

In 1947, the Minneapolis Lakers started their run in the Twin Cities.

1960: Lakers Departure

In 1960, the Minneapolis Lakers departed to Los Angeles.

1967: Minnesota Muskies Franchise

In 1967, the Minnesota Muskies franchise was established.

1968: Minnesota Pipers Franchise

In 1968, the Minnesota Pipers franchise was established.

1984: Dark purple "City" uniform inspired by Prince's album

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.

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December 1986: "Name The Team" Contest Finalists

In December 1986, the "name the team" contest for the Minnesota Timberwolves selected two finalists: "Timberwolves" and "Polars".

January 23, 1987: Team Name Officially Announced

On January 23, 1987, the team was officially named the "Minnesota Timberwolves".

April 22, 1987: Expansion Team Granted

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.

November 3, 1989: Timberwolves Debut

On November 3, 1989, the Minnesota Timberwolves debuted, losing to the Seattle SuperSonics on the road 106–94.

1989: City uniform recalled original uniforms from this year

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.

1989: Return of NBA Basketball

In 1989, NBA basketball returned to the Twin Cities for the first time since the Minneapolis Lakers departed in 1960.

1989: Team Founding

In 1989, the Minnesota Timberwolves were founded as an American professional basketball team based in Minneapolis.

1989: Timberwolves brought back 1989 white uniform

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.

1989: Inaugural season uniforms debuted

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.

1989: Tom Thibodeau used to be an assistant coach for the team from 1989 to 1991.

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.

April 17, 1990: Record Attendance

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.

1990: Home at Target Center

Since 1990, the Minnesota Timberwolves have played their home games at Target Center.

1991: Coaching Change

In 1991, the Minnesota Timberwolves fared far worse under Bill Musselman's successor, ex-Celtics coach Jimmy Rodgers.

1991: Tom Thibodeau used to be an assistant coach for the team from 1989 to 1991.

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.

1994: Near Sale to New Orleans

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.

1994: All-Star Game Host

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".

1995: Flip Saunders' first stint with Timberwolves began in 1995

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.

1995: Draft and Coaching Changes

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.

1995: Acquisition of Kevin Garnett

In the 1995 NBA draft, the Minnesota Timberwolves acquired Kevin Garnett, which led to eight consecutive playoff appearances from 1997 to 2004.

1996: City uniform honored uniforms from this year

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.

1996: New uniforms after drafting Kevin Garnett

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.

1996: Marbury Acquisition and Playoff Berth

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.

1996: Timberwolves brought back 1996 white uniform

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.

1997: Black alternate uniform introduced

For the 1997–98 season, the Minnesota Timberwolves introduced a black alternate uniform.

1997: Second Straight Playoff Appearance

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.

1997: Playoff Qualification

In 1997, the Minnesota Timberwolves qualified for the playoffs, marking the start of an eight-season streak.

1997: Classic edition uniforms based on uniforms from this year

On August 30, 2018, the Minnesota Timberwolves unveiled their first "Classic" edition uniforms based on the black alternates used from 1997 to 2008.

1998: Lockout Season and Gugliotta Departure

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.

1999: Marbury Trade and Playoff Appearance

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.

1999: Szczerbiak Draft and 50-win Season

In 1999, the Timberwolves drafted Wally Szczerbiak. Led by Kevin Garnett, the Timberwolves had their first 50-win season.

2000: Malik Sealy's Death

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.

2000: Regular Season Opener in Tokyo

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.

2001: Voided Contract and Playoff Elimination

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.

2002: Garnett's MVP Runner-Up Season

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.

2002: Draft Picks Stripped

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.

2003: Revamped Timberwolves

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.

2003: Off-season Moves

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.

2004: Last series win before 2024

Before the 2024 series sweep, the Minnesota Timberwolves' previous series win was in 2004.

2004: Draft Picks Stripped

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.

2004: Division Championship and Western Conference Finals

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.

2004: Timberwolves reach 40 wins in 2014

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.

2004: Timberwolves had best season since 2004 in 2023-24 season

The 2023–24 season was their best since 2004, as they recorded 56 wins and landed the third seed in the Western Conference.

2004: Timberwolves end their first winning season since 2004-05 season in 2017

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.

2004: Timberwolves had the second-most regular season wins since 2004 in 2022

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.

June 17, 2005: Timberwolves hire Dwane Casey as head coach

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.

2005: Start of Rebuilding Mode

After missing the postseason in 2005, the Minnesota Timberwolves entered a rebuilding phase that lasted for more than a decade.

2005: Flip Saunders' first stint with Timberwolves ended in 2005

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.

2005: Draft Picks Stripped

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.

2005: First season-series win over Lakers since 2005-06 season

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.

January 26, 2006: Timberwolves trade Szczerbiak, Jones, Olowokandi and a draft pick to Celtics

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.

July 31, 2007: Timberwolves trade Kevin Garnett to the Boston Celtics

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.

2007: Garnett Trade to Celtics

In 2007, Kevin Garnett was traded from the Timberwolves to the Boston Celtics.

2007: Black alternate uniforms used until this season

The black alternate uniforms that were first introduced during the 1997-98 season, were used until the 2007–08 season.

June 25, 2008: New alternate logo unveiled

On June 25, 2008, the Minnesota Timberwolves unveiled a new alternate logo.

October 14, 2008: Timberwolves unveil updated logo and uniforms

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.

December 8, 2008: Timberwolves fire head coach Randy Wittman

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.

2008: City uniform honored uniforms until this year

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.

2008: Uniforms changed again

In the 2008 off-season, the Minnesota Timberwolves' uniforms changed again, with the road jerseys reading "Minnesota" and the home jerseys reading "Wolves".

2008: Classic edition uniforms based on uniforms until this year

On August 30, 2018, the Minnesota Timberwolves unveiled their first "Classic" edition uniforms based on the black alternates used from 1997 to 2008.

February 8, 2009: Al Jefferson tears ACL, sidelining him for the season

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.

June 17, 2009: David Kahn announces Kevin McHale will not return as head coach

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.

2009: Blue uniforms resurrected

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.

July 12, 2010: Timberwolves trade for Michael Beasley

On July 12, 2010, Minnesota traded for Miami Heat forward Michael Beasley, the second pick from the 2008 NBA draft.

August 16, 2010: Modified uniforms unveiled

On August 16, 2010, the Minnesota Timberwolves unveiled modified uniforms, eliminating the green from the collar, jersey, and shorts and adjusting the number font.

November 12, 2010: Kevin Love records 31 rebounds and 31 points

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.

November 23, 2010: Black alternate uniform unveiled

On November 23, 2010, the Minnesota Timberwolves unveiled a black alternate uniform.

February 8, 2011: Kevin Love breaks Garnett's double-double record

On February 8, 2011, Kevin Love broke Kevin Garnett's team record of 37 straight double-doubles in a win over the Houston Rockets.

February 21, 2011: Corey Brewer and Kosta Koufos traded to New York Knicks and Denver Nuggets

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.

March 8, 2011: Kevin Love surpasses Moses Malone's double-double record

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.

July 12, 2011: Kurt Rambis fired as coach

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.

September 13, 2011: Rick Adelman hired as new head coach

On September 13, 2011, the Timberwolves announced that they had hired Rick Adelman to be the team's new head coach.

October 2011: Kevin Love ranked 16th among active players by ESPN

In October 2011, Kevin Love was ranked 16th among active players by ESPN.

March 9, 2012: Rubio tears ACL and LCL in collision with Kobe Bryant

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.

June 26, 2012: Timberwolves Draft Robbie Hummel

On June 26, 2012, the Minnesota Timberwolves selected Robbie Hummel with the 58th overall pick in the NBA draft. He was the team's only selection during that draft.

November 27, 2013: Black road alternate jersey changed to short sleeved jersey

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.

2013: Timberwolves trade Trey Burke in 2013 NBA draft

In the 2013 NBA draft, the Minnesota Timberwolves traded the 9th overall pick, Trey Burke, for Shabazz Muhammad (14th pick) and Gorgui Dieng (21st pick) in the first round from the Utah Jazz.

March 28, 2014: Timberwolves set franchise record for points

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.

April 21, 2014: Rick Adelman Retires

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.

June 6, 2014: Flip Saunders named head coach

On June 6, 2014, Flip Saunders was named the head coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves, returning to the franchise for a second stint.

August 23, 2014: Kevin Love Traded to Cleveland Cavaliers

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.

November 12, 2014: Timberwolves play international home game in Mexico City

On November 12, 2014, the Minnesota Timberwolves played an international home game at Mexico City Arena against the Houston Rockets.

2014: Timberwolves have worst record in the NBA for 2014-15 season

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.

2014: 2014-15 season also saw the return of Kevin Garnett

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.

February 2015: Garnett's Return

In February 2015, Kevin Garnett returned to the Timberwolves in a trade.

February 2015: Kevin Garnett returns to Timberwolves in February 2015

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.

October 25, 2015: Flip Saunders Dies in 2015

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.

2015: 76ers receive a 2015 first-round pick

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.

2015: Timberwolves Receive First Overall Pick in 2015 NBA Draft

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.

April 20, 2016: Timberwolves sign Tom Thibodeau as head coach

On April 20, 2016, the Minnesota Timberwolves agreed to sign Tom Thibodeau to be their head coach and president of basketball operations.

September 23, 2016: Kevin Garnett announces his retirement

On September 23, 2016, Kevin Garnett announced his retirement after 21 seasons in the NBA.

2016: Garnett's Retirement

In the 2016 off-season, Kevin Garnett retired from professional basketball, concluding his career with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

April 11, 2017: New logo unveiled

On April 11, 2017, the Minnesota Timberwolves unveiled a new logo to coincide with the massive roster turnaround.

June 22, 2017: Timberwolves acquire Jimmy Butler in trade

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.

August 10, 2017: Association Edition uniform revealed

On August 10, 2017, the Minnesota Timberwolves' Association Edition uniform was revealed, consisting of a white uniform with navy and blue stripes and lettering.

2017: City uniform inspired by previous City uniforms

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.

August 30, 2018: Classic edition uniforms unveiled

On August 30, 2018, the Minnesota Timberwolves unveiled their first "Classic" edition uniforms based on the black alternates used from 1997 to 2008.

November 12, 2018: Timberwolves trade Jimmy Butler

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.

2018: End of Playoff Drought

In 2018, the Minnesota Timberwolves ended a 14-year playoff drought by returning to the postseason.

January 6, 2019: Thibodeau Fired as Head Coach

On January 6, 2019, Tom Thibodeau was fired as head coach and president of basketball operations. Ryan Saunders was named as interim head coach.

November 20, 2019: 2019-20 'City' uniform unveiled

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 MinneapolisSaint Paul metropolitan area.

2019: Ryan Saunders hired as permanent head coach

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.

February 6, 2020: Timberwolves Trade Andrew Wiggins

On February 6, 2020, the Minnesota Timberwolves traded Andrew Wiggins to the Golden State Warriors for D'Angelo Russell.

2020: City uniform paid homage to the North Star

For the 2020–21 season, the Minnesota Timberwolves' "City" uniform paid homage to the North Star, featuring a midnight black base and aurora green trim.

2020: Leandro Bolmaro signed a rookie contract in 2020

In the off-season, the Minnesota Timberwolves signed former 2020 draft pick Leandro Bolmaro to a 4-year, 11.8-million-dollar rookie contract.

February 21, 2021: Ryan Saunders fired as head coach

On February 21, 2021, head coach Ryan Saunders was fired, and Toronto Raptors assistant coach Chris Finch was hired to replace him.

April 2021: Agreement to purchase team

In April 2021, Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez reached an agreement with Glen Taylor to purchase the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx, with payments to be made in installments.

April 2021: Glen Taylor reached a deal to sell the Timberwolves

In April 2021, the Minnesota Timberwolves announced that owner Glen Taylor had reached a deal with Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez to sell the team.

July 21, 2021: Lore and Rodriguez purchased 20% of the team

On July 21, 2021, it was announced that Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez had purchased 20% of the Minnesota Timberwolves, valuing the team at $1.5 billion.

September 22, 2021: Sachin Gupta promoted as interim president

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.

2021: City uniform mixed elements from franchise's previous uniforms

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.

2021: Agreement to Purchase Controlling Stake

In 2021, Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore entered into an agreement to purchase a controlling stake in the Minnesota Timberwolves from Glen Taylor.

2021: Agreement to Acquire Franchises

In 2021, Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez made an agreement with Glen Taylor regarding the ownership transfer of the Timberwolves and WNBA's Lynx.

May 23, 2022: Tim Connelly hired as president of basketball operations

On May 23, 2022, the Minnesota Timberwolves hired Tim Connelly as their president of basketball operations.

July 1, 2022: Timberwolves Trade for Rudy Gobert

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.

November 28, 2022: Karl-Anthony Towns suffers calf strain

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.

2022: New 'Statement' and 'City' uniforms unveiled

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.

2022: Lore and Rodriguez purchased 20% more of the team in 2022

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.

2022: Timberwolves traded for a 2022 second-round draft pick

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.

2022: Timberwolves beat the Clippers in the play-in game in 2022

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.

2023: Rematch of first round series

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.

2023: "City" uniform and alternate court unveiled

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.

2023: Timberwolves had best season since 2004 in 2023-24 season

The 2023–24 season was their best since 2004, as they recorded 56 wins and landed the third seed in the Western Conference.

March 2024: Extension paperwork submitted

In March 2024, Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez stated they had submitted the paperwork for an extension prior to their payment deadline for the Minnesota Timberwolves.

March 20, 2024: Lore and Rodriguez lose financial backing

On March 20, 2024, reports surfaced that Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez lost the financial backing of the Carlyle Group, which had pledged $300 million towards their final payment installment for the Minnesota Timberwolves.

March 21, 2024: Lore and Rodriguez secure backing of Blue Owl Capital

On March 21, 2024, Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez appeared to have secured the backing of Blue Owl Capital in an attempt to keep the Minnesota Timberwolves sale on track.

March 27, 2024: Payment deadline for ownership stake missed

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.

March 28, 2024: Glen Taylor announces sale is off

On March 28, 2024, Glen Taylor announced that the sale of the Minnesota Timberwolves to Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez was off after Lore and Rodriguez missed their payment deadline.

May 1, 2024: Mediation meeting fails to produce agreement

On May 1, 2024, the parties involved in the Minnesota Timberwolves sale dispute met to mediate, but no agreement was reached.

June 6, 2024: Michael Bloomberg joins ownership group

On June 6, 2024, it was announced that Michael Bloomberg would join Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore's ownership group in their bid to acquire the Minnesota Timberwolves.

October 23, 2024: Rudy Gobert contract extension

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.

2024: Timberwolves trade Karl-Anthony Towns

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.

2024: Timberwolves sweep Phoenix Suns

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.

2024: Final Installment

In 2024, the final installment in the phased purchase agreement between Alex Rodriguez, Marc Lore, and Glen Taylor is scheduled to occur.

2024: Timberwolves acquire Rob Dillingham in 2024 NBA draft

In the 2024 NBA draft, the Minnesota Timberwolves acquired the rights to Rob Dillingham from the San Antonio Spurs in exchange for draft picks and also selected Terrence Shannon Jr.

2024: Lore and Rodriguez's deal stalled in 2024

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.

2024: Timberwolves season start with new roster

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.

2024: 2024-25 'City' uniform revealed

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.

January 2025: Randle injured; Edwards becomes franchise leader in three-pointers

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.

February 2025: Lore and Rodriguez win arbitration case

In February 2025, Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez won the arbitration case with Glen Taylor regarding the ownership transfer of the Minnesota Timberwolves and WNBA's Lynx.

April 2, 2025: Taylor will not appeal arbitration

On April 2, 2025, Glen Taylor announced that he would not appeal the arbitration decision, clearing the path for Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez to assume full control of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx organization.

April 2025: Sale Completion

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.

2030: First round pick swap in 2030

In the 2024 NBA draft, the Minnesota Timberwolves traded a 2030 first-round pick swap (top-1 protected) to the San Antonio Spurs.

2031: First round pick traded in 2031

In the 2024 NBA draft, the Minnesota Timberwolves traded a 2031 unprotected first-round pick to the San Antonio Spurs.