The Minnesota Timberwolves made the second apron difficult for the 2025-26 NBA season.
The second apron was first introduced to abolish the NBA’s super team era, due to how dominant the Golden State Warriors were in the 2010s.
But as the years went by, it became clear that the second apron was making life tough for the franchise. how? Well, it forces the team to blow up the core, fearing the effects of a frightening, luxurious tax.
The Minnesota Timberwolves were taking risks for the 2025-26 season, but avoided it by allowing one key star to leave at the free agency.
Over the past two and a half seasons, Nickaire Alexander Walker has scored key minutes from the Timberwolves bench.
As a result, Alexander Walker was entitled to a favorable deal this offseason. But if T-Wolves signed him a new deal, they would have surpassed the second apron.
Therefore, the franchise allowed him to walk for free and sign a four-year, $62 million contract with the Atlanta Hawks. The Timberwolves executive recently shed light on the reasons behind the move.
“Yeah, it was rough, but when you’re up through that second apron, you have to make a tough choice.
“I think it was our turn, but when the door closes, another person opens. Some people benefit from stepping into more minutes.
As the executive said, the Boston Celtics had recently had to split the nucleus of the star to avoid a luxurious tax. They did so by trading Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis.
Similarly, the Phoenix Suns parted ways with Kevin Durant and Bradley Beale and entered under the second apron. As for Timberwolves, it’s currently $6 million under the second apron with two roster spots open.
Alexander Walker played all 82 games in a row during the regular season, averaging 8.7 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game for Wolves.
Losing a caliber player from the bench is certainly a big blow, but did the Timberwolves have him on the roster?
“It’s not a mission either, but that’s what we’re aware of. We want to note that we don’t put too much strain on ourselves as we go down the line.
“But if you have the right move and you need to add a salary, you have to add a salary. We’re all on the same page,” said another Timberwolves executive.
Simply put, the Timberwolves front office made the decision with the future in mind, not the immediate present.