Josh Green’s Expiring Contract Could Give Timberwolves the Flexibility They Need

The Minnesota Timberwolves know they’re not the first team LeBron James is thinking about. That’s fine. They called anyway.

According to The Athletic’s Jon Krawczynski, Minnesota was one of several teams that reached out to James’ camp after the four-time NBA champion informed the Los Angeles Lakers he wouldn’t be coming back. The Wolves want to at least have the conversation, even if they’re realistic about their chances.

“The Wolves do not believe they’re anywhere near the front of the line for James’ services, the team and league sources said, especially considering their lack of spending power,” Krawczynski wrote.

So what’s the move? One name to watch is Josh Green.

Green just arrived in Minnesota as part of the blockbuster deal that brought LaMelo Ball to town. The Timberwolves sent Naz Reid, a 2033 first-round pick, multiple pick swaps and second-rounders to Charlotte to make that happen. Green’s contract is expiring and worth $14.7 million. That’s not nothing, and it could become a useful trade chip if the Wolves want to clear room or add a specific piece.

Krawczynski reported that Minnesota “could try to trade Josh Green … to try to add a power forward or more spending wiggle room.”

But nobody inside the organization is rushing to ship him out. The Wolves are genuinely curious about what Green can do. They like his talent. The front office isn’t actively shopping him, and nothing is imminent on that front, according to the report.

This is more about keeping options open. Minnesota has a core built around Anthony Edwards and now LaMelo Ball. That’s two high-usage guards who need shooting and defense around them. Green can defend multiple positions and isn’t a disaster offensively. He could fit. He could also be the piece that gets them a veteran power forward who fits better next to those two.

The LeBron question is probably a dead end. Between the cap restrictions and the fact that James will likely land somewhere with a clearer path to contention, Minnesota is a long shot at best. But Green’s contract means they don’t have to sit completely still. If a trade presents itself before the 2026-27 season starts, they have a way to make it happen.

For now, the Wolves are watching how free agency plays out. Green stays or goes depending on what else materializes. Either way, they have more flexibility than it looked like they’d have a week ago.