Minnesota Timberwolves · Franchise era 5 of 6
Towns, Wiggins and the Butler flash: the Minnesota Timberwolves story
The story in one sentence
Butler ended a 13-year playoff drought, but the uneasy partnership dissolved almost as quickly as it formed.
A young core briefly accelerates
Karl-Anthony Towns, Andrew Wiggins and Jimmy Butler gave the era its recognizable core.
Its ending created the conditions for the anthony edwards ascent.
Timeline
How it unfolded
Before 2015–16
What came before
Love became an elite rebounder and shooter, but Minnesota could not build a playoff team before trading him for another top pick.
- 22TradeJune 22, 2017
June 22, 2017
The draft-night deal that sent Jimmy Butler to Minnesota
The Timberwolves accelerated around Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins; the Bulls chose a full reset around young talent.
To MINDraftPICKround asset
To CHIDraftPICKround assetJimmy Butler to MinnesotaMIN receives Jimmy Butler, Rights: Justin PattonCHI receives Zach LaVine, Kris Dunn, Rights: Lauri Markkanen5 original assets · 1 outcomes tracedOpen trade → 2018
Western Conference First Round: Minnesota Timberwolves vs Houston Rockets
After 2019–20
What came next
Edwards's fearless rise and an enormous defensive frontcourt carried Minnesota to the 2024 conference finals and a new level of expectation.
The core