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Minnesota Timberwolves’ Pending Free Agents

By Cooper Langby

Apr 11, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Gorgui Dieng (5) is congratulated by team mates after making a go ahead shot in the second half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Target Center. The Thunder won 100-98. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 11, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Gorgui Dieng (5) is congratulated by team mates after making a go ahead shot in the second half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Target Center. The Thunder won 100-98. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Adreian Payne

Before Adreian Payne was traded to the Timberwolves, he only played three games for the Atlanta Hawks after they drafted him with the 15th pick in the 2014 draft.

He managed 22 starts for the Wolves in 29 games during that first season, averaging 24.8 minutes.

The Wolves decreased his playing time the next season with only two starts in 52 games averaging 9.3 minutes.

Despite picking up his player option for this season, Payne has only played in 17 games, averaging 3.7 points in 7.6 minutes. Payne missed part of the season after being diagnosed with low platelet count but has since returned to the bench.

The Timberwolves have declined the 2017-18 team option and Payne will be a free-agent come the end of the season.

The team option being declined speaks for itself. The Timberwolves don’t foresee Payne on their books next year.

Payne has never been a big role player for the Wolves. Last seasons’ 52 games were the most he managed in a single season and even without this years’ blood disorder keeping him out for a period of time, he wouldn’t have reached that number.

The fact Payne is still on a rookie contract means the Wolves wouldn’t be paying him much next year and if they did have any thought of him returning this year, they would have accepted the team offer (even if just to waive him later).

Payne has the least likely path to returning for the Timberwolves next season. If he signed a new contract, it would most likely be at a higher cost to the Wolves due to their declining his last year of the rookie contract.

Payne has been a constant name on the Timberwolves’ roster for the past three years and I’m sure, similar to Shabazz Muhammad, he has a friendship with the other Wolves players.

To let go of a player that has been on the team for multiple seasons and learned to play the Timberwolves style of basketball, means the Wolves have their eye on a player who can contribute more off the bench.

The Wolves are looking for a much stronger bench next season as they hunt for a playoff appearance.

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