Timberwolves Talk

On the first Timberwolves Talk podcast episode since Chris Hine took over the beat and Michael Rand took over as Wolves editor, the focus was pretty simple: Breaking down from all angles the Jimmy Butler trade saga.

Former Minnesota high school basketball standout and 2012 NBA first-round pick Royce White joins Michael Rand for a discussion about mental health in society, mental health in sports and how he believes he has been blackballed from the NBA as a result of his advocacy.

Jerry Zgoda and Michael Rand assess the Timberwolves' offseason after last week's draft and heading into the start of free agency.

Jerry Zgoda and Michael Rand preview Thursday's NBA Draft, in which the Timberwolves have the No. 20 pick, and debate what to do with the selection. They also delve into Andrew Wiggins trade speculation and potential free agent moves when the new league year begins July 1.

On the latest episode, Jerry Zgoda and Michael Rand wrap up the Wolves' 47-win season and five-game playoff loss to Houston, weigh in on Jerry's interview with owner Glen Taylor and mull over what sort of offseason moves -- including a potential Andrew Wiggins trade -- might be on the horizon.

Jerry Zgoda and Michael Rand break down the Timberwolves' big victory over Denver that earned the franchise its first trip to the playoffs since 2003-04.

Jerry Zgoda and Michael Rand discuss Jimmy Butler's return to practice, his comments about the Wolves being too soft, the tight Western Conference playoff race and even the debut of rookie Justin Patton.

In a jam-packed episode, Jerry Zgoda and Michael Rand talk about the ugly loss to Memphis, Tom Thibodeau's inflexibility with playing time, Jimmy Butler's possible return and the suddenly precarious playoff positioning of the Timberwolves.

Intro: The Timberwolves won a pair of important games against Golden State and Washington, but two more big ones loom against San Antonio and Houston; 10:00: Tiebreakers and schedule are in the Wolves' favor; 15:00: Is Andrew Wiggins OK with his role in the offense? 20:00: The Derrick Rose experiment is off to a slow start.

Intro: The Timberwolves signed Derrick Rose on Thursday. How does the point guard fit into a team that seemingly has greater needs and is embarking on a tough stretch of games? 17:00: What is the timetable for Jimmy Butler's return? 23:00: Recapping the wild night, including Jeff Teague's hip check of Ricky Rubio, against Utah.

Intro: The Wolves have a tough stretch of games, starting Friday at Houston. 8:00: Jimmy Butler sat out the All-Star Game. What was up with that? 13:00: Will the Wolves make any moves before next week's postseason roster deadline? 20:00: Can Andrew Wiggins make strides in the final 21 games?

Intro: The Cavaliers broke the Wolves' hearts, then they broke up their roster. 5:00: Jerry Zgoda is the one person aside from Tom Thibodeau who is open to the idea of Derrick Rose on the Wolves; 10:00: Some other buyout candidates to join the Wolves; 16:00: Jimmy Butler's return to Chicago, with the Wolves facing a bunch of former teammates; 22:00: What is the overall outlook heading toward the All-Star break?

Intro: Two ugly losses after a huge home stand have put the Timberwolves in a vulnerable position. ... 10:00: The Wolves aren't built well to compete against Houston. Can they beef up their roster? 19:00: Four tough games in a row will test Minnesota's resolve. 24:00: Will Karl-Anthony Towns and Jimmy Butler be All-Stars?

Intro: The Wolves blasted the Cavs. How did they do it? 10:00: Should Minnesota set its sights higher than just the No. 4 seed? 15:00: Jeff Teague should be back soon. How should the Wolves adjust accordingly? 23:00: Trading deadline is a month away. Is there anything the Wolves could do to become big-time contenders?

Intro: Columnist Chip Scoggins hops in to talk about the Wolves' recent improved play. 15:00: Tyus or Teague? This is an interesting month for that debate. 22:00: Minnesota is entering a critical stretch of games.