Established
1989
City
Minneapolis
League History
1989 - Present / National Basketball Association
Team History
1989 – Present / Minnesota Timberwolves
Nickname
Timberwolves – The Minnesota Timberwolves are one of the most beloved teams in the NBA, and their nickname is steeped in history. The team was established as an expansion franchise in 1989, and they chose their name to honor the state’s rich Native American heritage.
The term “timberwolves” has been used for centuries to describe a pack of wild wolves that inhabit northern forests. Wolves have long been a symbol of strength and power throughout North America, so it makes sense that Minnesota chose this moniker for its basketball team.
Minnesota Timberwolves Origin
It also serves as a reminder that even though we may be living modern lives today, our connection with nature remains strong—just like those Timberwolves running through the woods! In addition to honoring Native American culture, there is another interesting story behind why this particular animal was chosen as part of the franchise’s identity.
According to legend, when George Mikan first moved from Minneapolis (where he played college basketball) back home to his native Wisconsin during World War II; he saw packs of wolves roaming around near his family's farmhouse late at night - inspiring him with awe-inspiring scenes which remain fresh on his mind all these years later!
So, when it came time for him (as part owner) & other investors who wanted something unique & powerful enough to represent their new professional sports organization, they decided upon using 'Timberwolves' as its official mascot/nickname - thus giving birth to one most recognizable names within entire National Basketball Association!
Championship
NBA Championships 0
Arena
1990 – Present / Target Center
1989 – 1990 / Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome
Owner
1994 – Present / Glen Taylor
1989 – 1994 / Marv Wolfenson and Harvey Ratner
- 1989
- 1990
- 1994
- 2008
- 2014
-
Minnesota Timberwolves Team Formation
NBA basketball returned to the Twin Cities in 1989 for the first time since the Minneapolis Lakers departed for Los Angeles in 1960. The NBA had granted one of its four new expansion teams on April 22, 1987 (the others being the Orlando Magic, Charlotte Hornets, and the Miami Heat) to original owners Marv Wolfenson and Harvey Ratner to begin ... -
Target Center Opens
The Timberwolves originally built and owned the Target Center arena in 1990 and the venue was managed by Ogden Entertainment. The City of Minneapolis purchased the arena in 1995. In 2004, Target Center underwent a major renovation that saw the replacement of all 19,006 of its original seats plus the addition of nearly 1,500 new seats as well as the ... -
Glen Taylor Ownership
Glen Taylor purchased majority ownership of the Minnesota Timberwolves basketball team in 1994. Taylor purchased the Minnesota Lynx WNBA basketball team in 1999. Taylor was in talks to buy the Minnesota Twins but nothing has come of it. In 2005, he was also rumored to be a possible buyer for the Minnesota Vikings but was outbid by Zygi Wilf. He ... -
Trade for Kevin Love
In a press conference on April 17, 2008, Love announced his intention to leave UCLA to enter the 2008 NBA draft. He was taken fifth overall by the Memphis Grizzlies, immediately after his teammate at UCLA, Russell Westbrook, who was selected by the Seattle SuperSonics. Following the draft, Love was traded, along with Mike Miller, Brian Cardinal, and Jason Collins ... -
Wiggins for Love
On August 23, 2014, the Timberwolves traded Love to the Cleveland Cavaliers in a three-team trade. The Timberwolves received Andrew Wiggins and Anthony Bennett from Cleveland, and Thaddeus Young from the Philadelphia 76ers, while the Philadelphia 76ers received Luc Mbah a Moute and Alexey Shved from Minnesota and a 2015 first-round draft pick from Cleveland.
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Minnesota Timberwolves History
The Minnesota Timberwolves history begins with their NBA debut as an expansion franchise in 1989. They reignited professional hoops in Minneapolis after the Lakers relocated in 1960. Fans chose the “Timberwolves” name over “Polars” by a 2-to-1 vote, marking the team’s regional identity. The early years were tough, but a major shift occurred when they drafted high school phenom Kevin Garnett in 1995.
Garnett ignited the franchise. From 1997 to 2004, Minnesota Timberwolves basketball made eight straight playoff trips. Their peak came in 2004 with a Midwest Division title and a first-ever trip to the Western Conference Finals before falling to the Lakers.
The next era saw ups and downs. Stars like Stephon Marbury, Latrell Sprewell, Sam Cassell, Kevin Love, and Karl-Anthony Towns left their marks. The team also featured two consecutive Rookie of the Year winners: Wiggins (2015) and Towns (2016).
A new renaissance began in 2020 with the selection of Anthony Edwards and coach Chris Finch in 2021. This pairing led to four straight playoff berths, including back-to-back Western Conference Finals runs.
Minnesota Timberwolves Achievements
The Minnesota Timberwolves history includes one division title (2004) and two Western Conference Finals appearances (2004, 2025) — but no NBA championships or conference titles yet.
In the 2024–25 season, Minnesota Timberwolves basketball scored breakthroughs. They secured a fourth consecutive playoff berth, upset the Lakers and Warriors, and reached the West Finals again before falling to the eventual champions. Anthony Edwards set franchise records and earned All-Star selection.
Ownership also changed following the 2024–25 season. The NBA approved the sale of the team to Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez, marking a new chapter in the franchise’s journey.
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Retired Number
2 / Malik Sealy
*Blue is this team’s history