Timberwolves Lose Alexander-Walker Garza, Re-Sign Veteran Ingles

The Minnesota Timberwolves have re-signed veteran forward Joe Ingles to a one-year, $3.6 million deal, valuing his leadership and locker-room presence despite limited playing time last season. Ingles, entering his 12th NBA season and having played only 19 games in 2024-25, is expected to mentor younger players such as recent draftee Rocco Zikarsky and contribute to team cohesion under coach Chris Finch. While Ingles' on-court impact was minimal, teammates and coaches praised his communication and veteran guidance throughout the playoffs and regular season. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves facilitated Nickeil Alexander-Walker's move to the Atlanta Hawks via a sign-and-trade, receiving draft picks and trade exceptions in return due to salary cap constraints after signing Julius Randle and Naz Reid to large contracts. Despite criticism and jokes from players like Knicks guard Josh Hart about Ingles' limited role, the Timberwolves emphasize his value beyond statistics as they aim to maintain a strong core after consecutive Western Conference Finals appearances.