Dunking With Wolves
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5 way-too-early free agents the Minnesota Timberwolves should look at

By Jake Paynting

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 22: Coach Tom Thibodeau of the Minnesota Timberwolves before the game against the Orlando Magic on November 22, 2017 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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 David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 22: Coach Tom Thibodeau of the Minnesota Timberwolves before the game against the Orlando Magic on November 22, 2017 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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 David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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HOUSTON, TX – NOVEMBER 09: Trevor Ariza #1 of the Houston Rockets reacts to a call in the first half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Toyota Center on November 09, 2017 in Houston, Texas. 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. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX – NOVEMBER 09: Trevor Ariza #1 of the Houston Rockets reacts to a call in the first half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Toyota Center on November 09, 2017 in Houston, Texas. 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. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

2. Trevor Ariza (SF/SG/PF – Unrestricted)

Season averages: 34.2 MPG – 11.8 PPG – 4.3 RPG – 1.5 SPG – 43.3% FG – 38.5% 3PT – 90.5% FT

This is where things on this list get exciting, and slightly unrealistic.

Trevor Ariza is, and has been for a while, the prototypical ‘3-and-D’ player. The type that the Timberwolves could use in the worst way possible.

Ariza lives outside the arc, attempting just over 75 percent of his shots from downtown, nailing over 38 percent of those tries. His best percentage since the 2013-14 season.

It hasn’t only been Ariza’s 3-point percentage that has had a resurgence this season, his defense has too, helping the Houston Rockets to a Conference-best 17-4 record.

According to Basketball Reference, Ariza has posted 0.045 Defensive Win Shares per game this season. That excellent mark ranks him at 45th for the entire league, above renowned defenders like Klay Thompson, John Wall and our own Jimmy Butler, according to NBA stats.

He is playing over 34 minutes per game on an elite team, so Ariza may not want to make the slight downgrade to the Timberwolves, his $7 million that the Rockets owe him through 2016-17 is definitely affordable however.

You can be sure to see the Wolves front office throw some interest in Ariza’s way this forthcoming summer.