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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: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Brandon Rush

Brandon Rush signed a one-year contract with the Wolves before this season, as his previous contract with Golden State Warriors expired.

Although he struggled for consistent minutes early in the season, Rush has started every game except one since February 4th as a replacement for the injured Zach LaVine.

Rush will likely not be starting at shooting guard next season for the Minnesota Timberwolves, even if LaVine does not return as early or game-ready as expected. With Rush averaging 4.3 points in 21.2 minutes, the Wolves are used to a higher-scoring guard.

The fact that the Timberwolves front office only offered Rush a one-year contract says to me they don’t expect him back next season.

They signed Cole Aldrich for three years in the off-season, and even Jordan Hill, who has played seven games this season, got a unguaranteed second year on his contract.

The Wolves most likely saw Rush as a one-year project from day one. Bring him in, let him play a bench role, and we’ll let him walk after the season.

However, they couldn’t have foreseen the season-ending-injury to LaVine, that has now seen Rush start 32 games in his place.

Rush had the opportunity to capitalize on the situation. If he would’ve proven himself to be a replacement for LaVine points-wise, he maybe could see a contract extension for another two or three years come his way.

With his limited scoring, I don’t see Rush sticking around another year. The Wolves relied on LaVine as a scoring guard, next to Rubio, who before his recent scoring craze, contributed less in points and more in lifting the team.

If Rubio hit another shooting slump with Rush at shooting guard, Timberwolves would be left with two guards not providing many points.

The extra effort required from Wiggins and Towns to then provide those missing points would put too much wear and tear on their bodies and possibly create another injury scenario equal to LaVine this year.

It is possible that in looking to add depth to the bench next year, Rush may return, but I don’t expect to see him in a Timberwolves jersey next season.

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