Timberwolves 2015-16 Roster – Who’s in and who’s out?
By Ryan Heuer
Mar 7, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ricky Rubio (9) looks on during the first half against the Portland Trail Blazers at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Point Guards
Of the 15 players under contract with the Timberwolves, two are point guards — Ricky Rubio and Lorenzo Brown. This past October, Rubio signed a 4-year, $55 million contract extension largely based on potential. Rubio has played only 22 games this year due to a severe ankle sprain he sustained against the Magic in the fifth game of the season.
Definitely Returning Next Season
Ricky Rubio – 24 years old; signed through 2018-’19 season; due $55 million*
- Unrestricted Free Agent (UFA) in 2019
- Rubio gets a pass for his career-low shooting percentage (35.6) because he’s missed so many games. However, it won’t be long before people start criticizing the Wolves for his massive contract if he doesn’t significantly improve his shooting stroke over the summer. Nevertheless, there is no question Rubio will be back next season.
Lorenzo Brown – 24 years old; signed through 2015-’16 season; due $947,276
- Restricted Free Agent (RFA) in 2016
- I am 99% confident that the team will pick up Brown’s option for 2015-’16. He’s played well enough, and as a backup, has been everything you’d want. His per 36 stats are respectable, according to Basketball Reference — 7.9 points, 5.9 assists, and 4.7 rebounds — while he takes care of the ball (only 1.9 turnovers per 36 as opposed to Rubio’s 3.3). Furthermore, he is extremely affordable. Unless the Wolves fall to #4 in the draft and decide to take PG Emmanuel Mudiay, I see Brown with Minnesota next year.
* – All contract terms in this article are courtesy of spotrac.com. Monetary values marked “due” are figures to be earned if all club or player options are picked up.
Next: Shooting Guards