Minnesota goes to Cleveland on Monday at 3-0, fresh from a 117-94 win over Toronto, carrying a payroll of $215.3 million. That figure is the cost of a summer rebuilt around LaMelo Ball, and it leaves the front office little to work with.
Past Two Lines
The salary cap is $165.0 million. The luxury tax starts at $200.4 million, the first apron at $209.0 million and the second apron at $221.7 million. Minnesota's $215.3 million puts it over the tax line and the first apron, but still short of the second. That distinction matters, because the second apron is where the harshest restrictions begin. Five contracts make up the top of the sheet: Anthony Edwards at $48.9 million, LaMelo Ball at $40.8 million, Rudy Gobert at $36.5 million, Jaden McDaniels at $26.2 million and Ayo Dosunmu at $19.3 million. Donte DiVincenzo adds $12.5 million, and the injury report lists him out with an Achilles problem and a return date of April 2, 2027.
What Next Year Costs
The 2027-28 numbers climb at the top. Edwards goes to $52.3 million, Ball to $43.6 million, Gobert to $38.0 million, McDaniels to $28.0 million and Dosunmu to $20.9 million. DiVincenzo does not appear on that list, so his $12.5 million is the largest salary leaving the books. Hoopsrumors reported on October 19 that McDaniels agreed to a one-year extension, and no terms have followed. Jonathan Kuminga is paid $6.1 million this season and holds a $6.4 million player option for 2027-28. He has made 63.6 percent of his threes through three games, an early sign the option may be worth more than it pays.
Picks Spoken For
The draft cupboard is thin. The first-rounders in 2027 and 2028 are swaps, and the 2029 and 2030 firsts carry protections. The second-rounders are gone or close to it: 2027 to Portland, 2028 to Denver, 2030 to Oklahoma City, and 2029 conditionally to Charlotte. So the club cannot easily buy its way out of a problem, and it would have to build any midseason deal around salary rather than picks. For now the reassurance is on the floor. Ball scored 15 points in 17 minutes against Toronto, and Minnesota outscored the Raptors by 33 with him on the court. The price looks easier to carry when the team keeps winning by that margin.
What is the Timberwolves' payroll for 2026-27?
Minnesota's payroll is $215.3 million, above the $209.0 million first apron and the $200.4 million tax line. It remains under the $221.7 million second apron.
Who are the highest-paid Timberwolves?
Anthony Edwards leads at $48.9 million, followed by LaMelo Ball at $40.8 million and Rudy Gobert at $36.5 million. Jaden McDaniels is paid $26.2 million and Ayo Dosunmu $19.3 million.
