The NBA has already taken significant steps over the years to grow its popularity worldwide. The league has focused on expansion outside of the United States, holding games in places like Abu Dhabi and the United Kingdom while building a big worldwide audience.
But for a long time, there have also been talks about expanding within the U.S. That idea is now gaining serious momentum, and it could lead to a major shift in how the league is structured.
Shams Charania’s Update on NBA Expansion and Conference Realignment
Just a few days ago, ESPN insider Shams Charania reported that the NBA’s Board of Governors is expected to vote next week on moving forward with a plan to expand the league to 32 teams.
The proposal includes adding new franchises in Seattle and Las Vegas. If things move ahead, the next phase would involve ownership groups submitting bids, which are expected to fall somewhere in the $7 billion to $10 billion range.
One significant decision that comes along with growth is how to balance the conferences. Since adding two Western-based teams would create an imbalance, one current Western Conference team would likely shift to the Eastern Conference. According to early discussions, the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Memphis Grizzlies are the two leading candidates for that move.
Interestingly, Charania recently spoke about this topic on the “The Old Man and the Three” podcast, where he explained why Minnesota appears to be the stronger option for a conference switch.
“When I talk to people around the league, it’s likely going to be either Minnesota or Memphis. A little bit of a lean on Minnesota because there’s that cluster of Minnesota, Milwaukee, Indiana, and Chicago. So I have heard a lot of Minnesota chatter,” Charania stated during the podcast.
Shams says he has heard a lot of talk on the Timberwolves being the team to move to the Eastern Conference if expansion happens:
“When I talk to people around the league it’s likely going to be Minnesota or Memphis. A little bit of a lean on Minnesota because there’s that… https://t.co/SIVbzVybs3 pic.twitter.com/BjnYirKSFS
— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) March 20, 2026
On a map, Minneapolis actually sits farther west than Memphis. So at first glance, moving the Grizzlies might seem to make more sense. But when you look at travel distances, the picture changes completely.
According to Sports Illustrated, Minnesota currently racks up roughly 3,798 miles of one-way air travel just to get to its Northwest Division opponents. Memphis, by comparison, travels around 1,893 miles to reach its Southwest Division rivals. If Minnesota were to move east and join a division with Milwaukee, Chicago, and Indiana, its total one-way travel would drop to about 1,161 miles.
That’s a massive difference, and it makes a strong case for why the Timberwolves are the more logical fit for a conference move.
As things stand, the Timberwolves are having a great season. They currently have a 43-27 record in the league. A lot of that comes down to Anthony Edwards, who has been averaging 29.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game.
If the move to the East does happen, Minnesota could benefit in a real way on the court.
The Eastern Conference has generally been seen as the lighter load compared to the West, which is stacked with teams like the Thunder, Nuggets, and Lakers. Playing in the East could mean easier paths to higher seeds in the playoffs, fewer brutal road games, and a better shot at a deep postseason run with the roster they currently have.
Nothing is final yet. The expansion vote, ownership bids, and conference realignment decisions still need to play out. For now, it’s all part of an evolving situation that could reshape the NBA in a big way.
