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5 players the Timberwolves should sign in free agency

By Andrew Neururer

Apr 11, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; The Minnesota Timberwolves reveal their new logo in a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 11, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; The Minnesota Timberwolves reveal their new logo in a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 14, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Chicago Bulls forward Taj Gibson (22) talks to forward Jimmy Butler (21) against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. The Bulls beat the Raptors 109-107. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 14, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Chicago Bulls forward Taj Gibson (22) talks to forward Jimmy Butler (21) against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. The Bulls beat the Raptors 109-107. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Taj Gipson

Yes, another former Chicago Bull. Tom Thibodeau can’t help but not love his former teammates. After all they did have great success together, and bringing in Taj Gibson would reunite him with former teammate Jimmy Butler and former coach Thibs.

Gibson would be a good addition off the bench, just like he was for the Oklahoma City Thunder at this year’s trade deadline. He would not be stretching the floor as he very seldom shoots it from three, but what he does bring is good effort, veteran leadership, knowledge of the game, defense, and will help the team understand Thibs’ system.

And that is something the Wolves need badly. Not only will Butler be the only one helping the team understand the plays on the court, but Gibson would be as well. Entering his age-31 season, he is easily headed out of his prime from his Chicago days.

He wouldn’t be an expensive contract, either; Gibson should see something like $8-12 million a year.

Gibson averaged almost 10.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks per game. Over the course of his eight-year career, Gibson has averaged 1.2 blocks per game. He’s a defensive minded big that will help the team out greatly, and at little cost compared to some big free agent names.

According to Basketball RealGM, Gibson posted a defensive rating of 107.9 with the Bulls and a 108.8 with the Thunder this past season. Gibson would be great help on that side of the ball where the Timberwolves struggled greatly.

Next: Timberwolves Made Right Pick With Justin Patton

Overall, Gibson would be a great addition for defensive reasons, but he would also add bench depth. And those are two things that the Timberwolves desperately need.