Dunking With Wolves
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Minnesota Timberwolves free agency: Areas of Needs

By Andrew Neururer

Dec 13, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) and guard Dwyane Wade (3)attempt to steal the ball from Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) during the second half at the United Center. Minnesota defeats Chicago 99-94. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) and guard Dwyane Wade (3)attempt to steal the ball from Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) during the second half at the United Center. Minnesota defeats Chicago 99-94. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 13, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) and guard Dwyane Wade (3)attempt to steal the ball from Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) during the second half at the United Center. Minnesota defeats Chicago 99-94. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) and guard Dwyane Wade (3)attempt to steal the ball from Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) during the second half at the United Center. Minnesota defeats Chicago 99-94. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /

The Minnesota Timberwolves aren’t ready to compete with the Golden State Warriors just yet. They have three key holes to fix before contending against the National Champs this season.

It’s no secret that the Minnesota Timberwolves have improved their roster this off-season. However, they aren’t done yet. A roster that is mainly composed of Jimmy Butler, Andrew Wiggins, and Karl-Anthony Towns and company, is not enough to top the Golden State Warriors (just yet).

The Wolves undoubtedly have a talented roster – but there are three areas that they can easily upgrade this off-season. Even after the Butler trade, the Wolves have some flexibility with around $20 million in cap space.

The team recently waived Jordan Hill, allowing the team to free up $4.1 million in cap space. As you can see from Keith Smith – contributor for multiple sports pages including real GM states:

Reported by ESPN’s Associated Press:

"“The Wolves can create close to $19 million in salary cap room to allow them to pursue free agents when the market opens on Saturday.”"

The Wolves are taking free agency by storm. It seems that they have a lot of players in mind including the likes of Kyle Lowry, Derrick Rose, Paul Millsap and numerous others.

Obviously, it comes at no surprise that the team wants defense and 3-point shooting, as the NBA has really transitioned into a three-point shooting league.

This will be a big off-season as they still have the flexibility to find a veteran that can help out the team – especially the young guys.

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July 1 can’t come soon enough, which is when the new NBA season will “begin”. There has never been a bigger buzz around this team since the 2003-2004 season. A lot of fans starting to take notice and buying season tickets like never before. With free agency looming, they can really knock this one out of the park.

Whether they decide to go after a big household name or not, look to see the team make some more headlines. Possibly meaning trading point guard Ricky Rubio, or even finding the player that will come off the bench and serve a big role.

Some may argue as well that the point guard position is a weakness in the starting lineup. However, Rubio is a great point guard who plays great defense and gets others involved. In truth, the one weakness in his game is his shooting. Rubio may have turned a new leaf last season, averaging 16 points a game shooting on a 35 percent clip from three after the All-Star break.

It will be a fun off-season, as the team is set to be pushing for players.