Minnesota Timberwolves: 5 remaining free agent targets
1. C.J. Miles
C.J. Miles appears to the be the best fit for the Timberwolves based on the remaining free agents.
To begin, he’s an unrestricted free agent which means Minnesota wouldn’t’ have to worry about his original team matching their offer sheet. This allows them to work on structuring a deal that benefits them more directly.
Miles is also the best outside shooter of any player mentioned on this list. He takes, and makes, more 3’s which will greatly help the Wolves lack of spacing. Last season Miles shot a career-high 41.3 percent from the 3-point line on 5.4 attempts per game.
While that may be a bit of an outlier coming at the right time, this lefty shooting guard also boasts three other seasons where he shot over 38 percent from downtown.
At 6-foot-6 Miles can also back up both Jimmy Butler and Wiggins at either wing spot. This is optimal for Minnesota because due to their lack of cap space they need to find a guy who can play more than one position.
Given that Minnesota only has the $4.3 million exception to work with, Miles is most likely out of their price range.
Darren Wolfson is reporting that a sign-and-trade is one possibility for Minnesota, or other teams to acquire the shooting guard’s services.
Sounds like Indiana working on a Miles sign-and-trade with at least one other team, and further along w/ them than with the #Twolves.
— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) July 5, 2017
If that’s true, Thibodeau is going to have to get creative with the assets he gives up.
Cole Aldrich is the most likely man to be moved due to his $7 million salary next season. However, Indiana is sure to want back a draft pick at the very least for their troubles.
As it sits, Minnesota likely does not possess their own first rounder next year as it is owed to the Atlanta Hawks if the Timberwolves make the playoffs.
However, Minnesota now has Oklahoma City Thunders first round pick due to the Ricky Rubio trade, which is also lottery protected.
Thibodeau and Scott Layden shouldn’t be too keen on the idea of giving up a first round pick for a 30-year-old Miles as they are going to want cheap young talent in the future.
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Whatever ends up happening, we know the Timberwolves will explore any and all options. With money running out all around the league, let’s hope Thibodeau can maximize what little salary they have left.