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Minnesota Timberwolves: 5 players they should target for their bench

By Christian Anton

OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 8: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves look on against the Golden State Warriors on November 8, 2017 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 8: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves look on against the Golden State Warriors on November 8, 2017 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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MEMPHIS, TN – OCTOBER 30: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist #14 of the Charlotte Hornets plays defense against the Memphis Grizzlies on October 30, 2017 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN – OCTOBER 30: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist #14 of the Charlotte Hornets plays defense against the Memphis Grizzlies on October 30, 2017 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /

3. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist – Forward/Charlotte Hornets

The Timberwolves defense has been a thorn in their side once again this season. Currently, they are once again in the bottom tier of the NBA when it comes to defensive efficiency. So perhaps trading for an athletic wing known for his defense could be the answer for the Wolves.

Enter Michael Kidd-Gilchrist.

MKG has seen his minutes reduced to career lows so far this season with the Hornets due to his spot on the depth chart behind Dwayne Bacon. So if there has ever been a time to call the Hornets about Kidd-Gilchrist it might be now.

Last year he was in the top tier of NBA players when it came to defensive win shares. This year those numbers have dropped but he is still above average when it comes to defense.

His offense is suspect at best, but that’s beside the point here.

Having an athletic wing who can devote himself to a hard hitting Thibodeau style could be exactly what the doctor ordered for the Timberwolves this season.

Adding a player with the defensive ability like MKG could also lead to more flexible lineup changes going forward. If the Timberwolves really want to improve on defense then trading for this guy could make a ton of sense, especially if they can get him for relatively cheap.

The Hornets are a wild card team when it comes to the wide open Eastern Conference though and they may choose to keep the players they have if they end up making a run.

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