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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: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Shabazz Muhammad

Shabazz Muhammad is perhaps the most notable Timberwolves’ free-agent at the conclusion of this season.

Muhammad has come off the bench (mainly) for the Wolves since his rookie season in 2013. Shabazz Mohammad played all 82 of the Wolves games last season and has appeared in 76 this season.

He has managed one start, contributing 9.8 points in 19.5 minutes per game. Muhammad was at the center of trade rumors earlier this year, as it was reported he could be offered along with Rubio to create a package deal for interested teams.

Of course, none of this came to fruition, but if the Wolves were looking to offload him before his free agency at the end of the season, they either aren’t expecting him to resign or don’t want him to.

This isn’t to say that the Wolves won’t look into resigning him.

Shabazz Muhammad has proved he consistently provides points off the bench, more so than any other bench player we have. If the Timberwolves can’t lock down a solid veteran small forward to come off the bench, Shabazz may very well be back next season.

The main issue with Muhammad is he will most likely be asking for a lot more money than the Wolves currently pay him on his rookie contract. If they can find someone with better and more consistent productivity, with a bonus of defensive strength or veteran experience, they will almost certainly go with that player.

If Muhammad does return next season, I predict fewer minutes, fewer points and fewer games played because the Wolves know their bench needs strengthening in the offseason. A veteran small forward will definitely be one of the Wolves priorities, as they look for a backup for high-scoring Andrew Wiggins.

A veteran small forward will definitely be one of the Wolves priorities, as they look for a backup for high-scoring Andrew Wiggins.

Perhaps, as Dunking With Wolves co-site expert Brian Sampson explained in his article, the Timberwolves should let Shabazz Muhammad walk come the end of the season.

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