Without saying exactly how they intend to do so, Timberwolves coach/president of basketball operations Tom Thibodeau and general manager Scott Layden made it clear Monday during a postseason meeting with reporters they want to sign All-Stars Jimmy Butler and Karl-Anthony Towns to contract extensions while they also will be aggressive in improving the team elsewhere.
How they do both — with Andrew Wiggins already sign to a maximum contract — and still have salary space to surround all three with a sound roster that’d address needs for better three-point shooting, defense and depth is the big question.
Thibodeau called a 47-victory regular season and a first-round loss to top-seeded Houston after 14 years away from the playoffs a success and the “next step” toward contending for a title.