The Minnesota Timberwolves have made a decisive move as the NBA approaches the critical March 1 roster deadline, bringing veteran forward Kyle Anderson back into the fold after his contract buyout with the Memphis Grizzlies. Anderson, affectionately known as "Slo Mo" for his methodical style, rejoins a Timberwolves squad that he helped guide to significant playoff success just two seasons ago. The signing, finalized on February 27, 2026, fills the team’s 15th and final roster spot and positions Anderson as both a versatile contributor on the court and a crucial leader off it.
Anderson’s journey back to Minnesota is a testament to his value around the league and the mutual respect between player and organization. After being traded from the Timberwolves to the Golden State Warriors in the summer of 2024—a deal that priced him out of Minnesota’s plans at the time—Anderson bounced between several teams. He played stints with the Warriors, Miami Heat, and Utah Jazz, before landing with the Grizzlies for a brief period this season. Despite opportunities to join other contending teams, Anderson chose to return to Minnesota, a decision rooted in the trust and camaraderie he experienced during his previous tenure.
"Anderson fills the 15th and final roster spot for Minnesota and is eligible to be added to the playoff roster," reported Shams Charania of ESPN, emphasizing the strategic importance of this acquisition as the postseason looms. The Timberwolves, currently fifth in the Western Conference with a 36-23 record, are aiming to solidify their rotation for a deep playoff run, and Anderson’s presence could prove vital in tight matchups against conference heavyweights like the Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets.
During his first stint in Minnesota from 2022 to 2024, Anderson played 148 games, starting 56 of them. He averaged 7.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 4.5 assists, but his impact went far beyond the box score. In the 2022-23 season, he was instrumental in leading the Wolves to the playoffs, posting averages of 9.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game. His leadership and basketball IQ were particularly valuable during a turbulent season that saw the Wolves integrate new star Rudy Gobert. Anderson’s ability to steady the team’s young core—featuring Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, and Naz Reid—was repeatedly highlighted by coaches and teammates alike.
One of the defining moments of Anderson’s Minnesota legacy came in Game 4 of the 2024 Western Conference Finals. With the Wolves facing elimination against the Dallas Mavericks, Anderson orchestrated a crucial play, calling for Anthony Edwards to pass to an open Karl-Anthony Towns in the corner and screening off the defender. The resulting basket helped Minnesota avoid a sweep, and the play became emblematic of Anderson’s unselfish, cerebral approach to the game.
However, Anderson’s production dipped during the 2023-24 season, particularly from beyond the arc, where his three-point shooting dropped from 41% to under 23%. Despite this decline, his defensive versatility and leadership remained assets. Anderson’s ability to guard multiple positions—especially opposing forwards—addresses a clear need for the current Timberwolves roster, which has relied heavily on Jaden McDaniels for perimeter defense.
His recent NBA journey has been a whirlwind. After leaving Minnesota, Anderson signed a three-year, $27 million deal with the Warriors, only to be traded to the Heat as part of the blockbuster deal that sent Jimmy Butler to Golden State. He then landed with the Utah Jazz in a three-team trade involving the Clippers, before a final move to Memphis in the trade that brought Jaren Jackson Jr. to Utah. With the Jazz this season, Anderson appeared in 20 games, averaging 20.1 minutes, 7.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.1 assists while shooting an efficient 52% from the field.
Back in Minnesota, Anderson is expected to have a somewhat limited role for the remainder of the 2025-26 season, but his ability to provide defensive depth at both the wing and center positions is invaluable. Head coach Chris Finch’s bench rotation currently features Naz Reid, Ayo Dosunmu, and Bones Hyland, with other players like Joan Beringer, Jaylen Clark, Terrence Shannon Jr., and Mike Conley rotating in and out. Anderson’s combination of size, playmaking, and defensive acumen gives Finch another reliable option, especially in high-leverage playoff situations.
"If Finch doesn’t give him any meaningful minutes, Anderson will undoubtedly handle this gracefully and uplift the team behind the scenes as a veteran leader," one local analyst noted. Indeed, Anderson’s leadership and familiarity with the Wolves’ system should make his transition seamless. As the Timberwolves look to challenge the Western Conference elite, having a steadying presence like Anderson—someone who has already proven himself in the postseason—could make all the difference.
Fans are understandably excited about the reunion. Anderson could make his return as soon as Sunday, March 1, against the Denver Nuggets, and is expected to receive a warm ovation when the Timberwolves host the Grizzlies at Target Center on Tuesday, March 3. The timing couldn’t be better, as Minnesota aims to build momentum heading into the final stretch of the regular season and beyond.
Anderson’s career has come full circle. Drafted out of UCLA by the San Antonio Spurs, he developed into a respected veteran with stints in Memphis and Minnesota before his recent NBA odyssey. Now, at age 32 and in his 12th NBA season, he brings a wealth of experience to a Timberwolves team eager to take the next step. His averages this season—20.4 minutes, 7.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists across time with the Jazz and Grizzlies—suggest he still has plenty left in the tank.
There’s no denying that the Timberwolves’ move to bring back Kyle Anderson might seem minor on paper, but in the context of a grueling NBA season and a tightly packed Western Conference race, it could be the edge Minnesota needs. As the Wolves prepare for crucial matchups and a potential playoff push, the return of "Slo Mo" is a welcome boost—both for the team’s rotation and its locker room chemistry.
With Anderson back in the fold, the Timberwolves have signaled their intent: they’re not just content with making the playoffs—they’re aiming to make noise in the West. The next few weeks will show just how much of an impact this reunion can have as Minnesota chases its postseason dreams.