As NBA expansion talks ramp up, it appears that it could soon become a reality. That could change the landscape of the league. In fact, it could even change the conferences themselves.
With Las Vegas and Seattle both likely to get an expansion franchise, one Western Conference team will be forced to head east. The Minnesota Timberwolves and Memphis Grizzlies are the two most likely contenders, according to NBA insider Shams Charania.
However, Charania recently elaborated on a potential conference realignment. He mentions that the Wolves seem to be the more likely candidate to relocate to the Eastern Conference.
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
After all, they would be an ideal addition to the Central Division, which already has relatively close teams such as the Chicago Bulls, Indiana Pacers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Detroit Pistons.
The Minnesota Timberwolves would be a perfect fit for the East
Considering how lopsided the two conferences are right now, moving a contender like the Timberwolves to the east makes a lot of sense.
It weaken the Western Conference by replacing a contender with an expansion team. It would also increase the quality of the Eastern Conference.
In fact, it’s entirely possible that the Timberwolves would be the best team in the East if they had played this entire season in that conference.
After all, they have a top 10 player in Anthony Edwards and a Defensive Player of the Year candidate in Rudy Gobert. That’s not to mention a Sixth Man of the Year in Naz Reed.
The Timberwolves could thrive in the Eastern Conference
If they can make the West Finals in back-to-back years in a brutal conference, they could certainly make the East Finals in a weaker one.
Aside from them being a contender in the East, it makes more sense, from a geographical standpoint, to move the Timberwolves to the Eastern Conference.
Minnesota is often forced to travel more than most other teams in the NBA. Having them play in the Eastern Conference, where teams are more closely packed together, would even things out.
If expansion ultimately happens and the Timberwolves are moved to the Eastern Conference, then it would prove to be beneficial for both them and the Eastern Conference.