Minnesota Timberwolves: 5 remaining free agent targets

The Minnesota Timberwolves have already made two big splashes in free agency but hopefully, more is to come.

The Minnesota Timberwolves have been one of the more active teams since free agency kicked off on July 1.

They agreed to deals with unrestricted free agents Jeff Teague and Taj Gibson and renounced their rights to Shabazz Muhammad. They also lost Omri Casspi to the Golden State Warriors.

Even given those moves, it leaves the Wolves with only 10 players on their current roster which means that more moves are certain to come.

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Minnesota is strapped for cash at this point as they have maxed out the salary cap. Their biggest weapon available is their $4.3 million mid-level exception. They can use all of that one one player or they can split it up among multiple different players (good luck with that).

Otherwise, unless the Wolves create cap room they will only be able to sign players to veteran minimum deals.

Although I’m not going to rule out additional cap space at this moment, it will be very difficult for Minnesota to do so.

Cole Aldrich is the most popular name right now as a player who might be shipped out. However, the two years and over $13 million remaining on his deal ensure that whoever takes him will want another asset attached. Thus far, the Wolves haven’t been willing to give up an asset such as a first round pick just to get rid of Aldrich, whom they signed last summer.

5. Tim Hardaway Jr.

Tim Hardaway Jr. might have played himself out of Minnesota’s price range this past season when he averaged 14.5 points on 35.7 percent shooting from beyond the arc. He also set career-highs in assists (2.3) and rebounds (2.8).

The restricted free agent will surely be looking for a pay raise as he only made a little over $2 million last season, the final year of his rookie deal.

The former 24th overall pick has a qualifying offer on the table of nearly $4.6 million according to Spotrac.

That number alone takes Minnesota out of the conversation. However, I wouldn’t put it past Tom Thibodeau and co. to make a run at any halfway decent shooting guard.

Thibodeau knows his team sorely lacks wing depth and has been casting a wide net according to Darren Wolfson:

Even though Hardaway isn’t an elite outside shooter, he makes them at a league average clip. He also attempts 5.3 outside shots a game, which is more than any player currently on the roster.

Hardaway’s defensive numbers are a mixed bag. He boasts a defensive rating of 109 which is neither awful nor great. His defensive box plus-minus was -1.5 last season but his defensive win shares was 2.1.

At this point, Minnesota will be lucky to get a player of Hardaway’s caliber, even with his shortcomings.

4. Jonathon Simmons

Jonathon Simmons would be an intriguing fit with this Timberwolves roster.

He’s an athletic player who is an inconsistent 3-point shooter at best. While that doesn’t necessarily seem like the type of player the Wolves need, he does fit the Thibodeau mold.

The Juice, as he’s known, plays hard on every possession and is an important glue guy for successful teams: See San Antonio Spurs last season.

After only playing in 55 games his rookie season, Simmons made his impact felt in short spurts last year as he appeared in all but four contests.

Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table

Known as a fearless defender, this University of Houston prospect isn’t going to alter a game with any eye-popping plays. He will, however, inspire his teammates to up their activity level or leave them feeling embarrassed they aren’t going as hard as their peers.

Since it’s being reported that the Spurs are preparing an offer around $9 million per year for the restricted free agent, its extremely unlikely the Timberwolves have a chance.

Ian Begley of ESPN, is even reporting that the New York Knicks have interest in Simmons as well. Having multiple suitors is likely to drive up his price and put his range even further out of Minnesota’s reach.

If he does somehow end up in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, he will give Minnesota some much-needed wing-depth.

3. Milos Teodosic

It’s been rumored for a few days that the Timberwolves are in on the Milos Teodosic sweepstakes.

Unfortunately for Minnesota, they aren’t the only team interested as it’s been reported that the Los Angeles Clippers, Chicago Bulls and Brooklyn Nets are also looking at acquiring the point guard’s services.

Teodosic is a Serbian-born point guard with great passing ability and size for his position. At 6-foot-5 he can see over defenses which allowed him to rack up 6.8 assists per game last year in Euroleague.

He’s known mostly for his stellar passes as he’s a pure point guard who excels in the pick and roll game.

Teodosic is already familiar with one player on the Timberwolves’ roster, Nemanja Bjelica, as they played together on the Serbian national team. This familiarity might help the Wolves secure the point guard’s services as they are in desperate need of a backup.

Teodosic is a six-time All-EuroLeague selection and was voted the EuroLeague MVP in 2010.

At 30 years old, he might be just past his prime but has a lot of experience playing internationally. This experience could be beneficial for Minnesota as Jeff Teague and Tyus Jones are the only two point guards on their roster.

Due to the influx of interest, the former EuroLeague MVP might be priced out of the Wolves range. As it stands, however, he doesn’t have a contract to play oversea’s so it’s probably more likely now than ever he comes to the NBA.

2. Vince Carter

At 40 year’s old, it’s still reported that Vince Carter wants to play one more season.

During an Orlando Pro Summer League broadcast on Sunday, Carter had this to say about playing next season:

"I still think I can complete and play at a high level so I’m going to go for it."

According to ESPN’s Chris Haynes, the Memphis Grizzlies and Sacramento Kings are the two teams reported to have an interest in the 19-year veteran.

Last season, Vinsanity put up 8 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game, showing that he still has some life in his legs. He also played 73 games and averaged 24.6 minutes per game, all are highest since his last season in Dallas four years ago.

If Minnesota is able to bring in Carter he would be another important mentor to Andrew Wiggins. He would also join the growing maturity movement as the Timberwolves transition into win now mode.

As Air Canada as gotten older, he’s lost a lot of that explosiveness he was known for early in his career. However, that hasn’t stopped him from being productive as he’s transitioned his style of play.

He can help Minnesota at both wing spots and, while he isn’t a great outside shooter, he can provide them with yet another serviceable option. Last year, Carter shot 37.8 percent on 4.1 attempts from downtown which is right about his career average.

At this point, we haven’t heard anything reported about Thibodeau meeting with Carter so we have to assume there hasn’t been any movement on that front. Although, I wouldn’t be surprised if Thibs reaches out to him at some point, considering the desperation of Minnesota’s situation.

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.

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.