The Minnesota Timberwolves aim to surpass their performance of the past two seasons. However, even if their window with Anthony Edwards remains open for years to come, they must make some changes to stay among the best in the West.
That means having to change up the formula as their core ages. Even if Edwards is a superstar, that won’t stop some of their veterans from aging to the point that they can’t do what they once could. The Timberwolves are very aware of this and made a necessary change.
What Lineup Change did the Timberwolves Make?
The Timberwolves have made a significant change to their starting lineup ahead of their season debut against the Portland Trail Blazers, as NBA TV’s Chris Haynes announced via his X account that Donte DiVincenzo will take Mike Conley’s spot in their starting lineup.
“Sources: Minnesota Timberwolves will award Donte DiVincenzo the starting point guard spot to open the 2025-26 NBA season,” Haynes wrote. “Mike Conley will remain a vital piece. More on The Association on (NBA TV) at 5pm PT.”
Sources: Minnesota Timberwolves will award Donte DiVincenzo the starting point guard spot to open the 2025-26 NBA season. Mike Conley will remain a vital piece. More on The Association on @NBATV at 5pm PT. pic.twitter.com/f2e6WL3fVV
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) October 22, 2025
Conley has been an integral part of the Timberwolves’ success since they acquired him at the trade deadline in 2023. The team was dysfunctional because it lacked a competent point guard (sorry, D’Angelo Russell) beforehand, and Conley’s addition stabilized the roster. This has led to two consecutive Western Conference Finals appearances for the Timberwolves, marking the most consistent playoff success the franchise has seen in its history.
However, on October 11, Conley turned 38. Like any player around that age, he can no longer do what he used to. DiVincenzo is not a pure point guard but a capable playmaker. He’s coming off a season averaging 3.6 assists per game, which tied a career high. Now that he’s the starting point guard full-time, he’ll likely top that.
Minnesota will also likely depend on Edwards and Julius Randle to handle much of the playmaking duties. This should make for quite an interesting dynamic this season. Conley really felt like the Timberwolves’ missing piece, but he was in the twilight of his career when they acquired him.
Without someone like him running things, the Timberwolves will need to consider whether they’ll require a replacement down the line this season. Because the West will be a war zone again, it might not be long before they seek out a replacement for Conley on the trade market.
