Minnesota closes its preseason in Chicago tonight, five days before the regular season opens in Miami. The payroll built this summer already runs past two tax thresholds, with the real bill still ahead.
Five Numbers, One Total
Anthony Edwards is paid $48.9 million this season, the largest figure on Minnesota's books. LaMelo Ball follows at $40.8 million, Rudy Gobert at $36.5 million, Jaden McDaniels at $26.2 million and Ayo Dosunmu at $19.3 million. Spread across 15 contracts, the payroll reaches $215.3 million, clearing the $200.4 million luxury tax line and the $209.0 million first apron, with the $221.7 million second apron still a reach beyond that.
What Comes Off the Books
Next season's cap sheet already looks lighter in spots. Donte DiVincenzo's $12.5 million, Bones Hyland's $2.8 million and Trey Lyles' $2.4 million are not listed on the 2027-28 sheet, the plainest relief in sight without a trade. Jonathan Kuminga holds a $6.4 million player option for that year, up from $6.1 million now, and his choice will decide how much of that relief Minnesota actually keeps. Edwards, Ball, Gobert and McDaniels all carry raises into 2027-28, so the floor stays high regardless.
Picks Already Spoken For
Minnesota's own first-round picks are swapped through 2028 and protected in 2029 and 2030. Its second-round picks are owed to Portland in 2027, Denver in 2028, conditionally to Charlotte in 2029 and to Oklahoma City in 2030. None of that draft capital is sitting free for an in-season upgrade, which leaves the roster assembled this summer as the one Minnesota will carry for a while.
Is Minnesota over the luxury tax this season?
Yes. The $215.3 million payroll is above the $200.4 million tax line and the $209.0 million first apron, though short of the $221.7 million second apron.
Who comes off Minnesota's payroll next season?
Donte DiVincenzo, Bones Hyland and Trey Lyles are not listed on the 2027-28 cap sheet, the clearest salary relief currently in sight.
