Top 5 Landing Spots for Shabazz Muhammad

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Oct 23, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Shabazz Muhammad (15) dunks in the third quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Target Center. The Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Milwaukee Bucks 112-108. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /

#2 – Minnesota Timberwolves

As much as I would love to see Shabazz rocking a Wolves jersey next season, it might not be the best option for either party.

Believe me, I’m a big Bazz fan. I love watching his highlight dunks, and his constant hustle for the ball when he’s in the game. But the Wolves have to look towards the future.

With Andrew Wiggins and Zach LaVine looking to demand big contracts this off-season, there’s no question that they have to spend money wisely in the future if they want to be compete in the playoffs. Not to mention that they will be giving Karl-Anthony Towns a max contract next off-season.

Muhammad’s rookie year was a disappointment. He was pegged as the number one recruit coming out of high school, and so far hasn’t lived up to that expectation. From college to the first year in the pros, Muhammad has had some off-court trouble that quite possibly affected his play.

To no fault to his own, Shabazz didn’t really get a chance his rookie year at least in part due to Rick Adelman‘s low trust for young players. However, when he received playing time he did pretty well. Including a 20-point night against the Phoenix Suns his rookie year.

Following a poor rookie year, Shabazz had a breakthrough season and was in the running for Most Improved Player, only to get injured late in the season. Since then, Muhammad has hovered around 10 points per game — which is what he most likely will be the rest of his career: a good scorer off the bench.

The Timberwolves have a lot of young talent, and whether they choose to draft at #7 or trade the selection, could ultimately influence the decision on whether or not they keep Muhammad. The only thing causing the Wolves to not register at number one on this list is the young talent ahead of him, and the amount of money they can (or would be willing to) offer him.

Both sides claim they want the same thing, and that’s for Shabazz to stay in Minnesota. And with a weak bench, they may ultimately keep him.