Timberwolves maintain flexibility as belief grows they have legit shot at LeBron James

The Timberwolves made one move to bolster their frontcourt Friday, agreeing to a one-year deal with veteran forward Trey Lyles.

They may not be done.

As relayed by Chris Hine of the Minnesota Star Tribune, Minnesota now has 12 players under contract, with second-round pick Isaiah Evans expected to claim another roster spot. That would leave the Timberwolves with one or two openings on the roster as free agency continues.

The timing is notable.

Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic reported that the Timberwolves firmly believe they are legitimately in the mix to sign LeBron James and have intensified their efforts to land the four-time NBA champion.

Minnesota’s confidence isn’t based solely on wishful thinking.

After trading away Julius Randle and Naz Reid this offseason, the Wolves have an opening at power forward, a position James could help fill.

The team also believes its core of Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball, Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert would allow James to focus more on winning another championship while easing some of the nightly workload that has followed him throughout much of his career.

Krawczynski also reported that Minnesota has emphasized another selling point in conversations with James’ camp: the opportunity to deliver the franchise’s first NBA championship. Team officials believe winning a title with the Timberwolves would further strengthen James’ legacy, given the organization’s lack of championship history.

Financially, Minnesota remains limited because of its proximity to the NBA’s second apron, making a veteran minimum contract the most likely path unless additional moves are made. But Krawczynski and others have reported money is believed to be less important to James than finding the right competitive situation.

The Timberwolves’ optimism appeared to receive another boost after James’ agent, Rich Paul, discussed potential landing spots during his “Game Over” podcast with Max Kellerman.

Paul included Minnesota among a select group of teams he believes make sense for James, praising the organization’s roster, president of basketball operations Tim Connelly and ownership group.

Whether the Wolves ultimately land James remains to be seen. But by keeping one or two roster spots available after adding Lyles, Minnesota appears intent on preserving as much flexibility as possible while one of the NBA’s biggest free agency decisions remains unresolved.

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