Minnesota Timberwolves

Can the Minnesota Timberwolves sign a max free agent in 2026-27?

Not through free agency. The Timberwolves have no cap space for 2026-27, and outside free agents can only sign for the max using cap space.

This includes a projected signing that is not yet official, so these figures are an estimate.

Max, 0-6 yrs (25%)

$41.2M

Max, 7-9 yrs (30%)

$49.5M

Max, 10+ yrs (35%)

$57.7M

Cap space

-$77.0M

Max starting salaries run $41.2M to $57.7M depending on experience, and the Timberwolves' cap position is -$77.0M.

Without room, a max-level player can still arrive by trade (matching salary) or by the Timberwolves re-signing their own free agent with Bird rights, which works over the cap.

The rule behind this

A player's maximum starting salary is a percentage of the salary cap, set by his years of service: 25% with 0–6 years, 30% with 7–9, and 35% with 10 or more.

How do NBA max salaries work? →What is cap space? →What does renouncing a free agent mean? →