Minnesota Timberwolves: Top 5 low-cost free agents

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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – APRIL 23: Nemanja Bjelica #8. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

#5 – Nemanja Bjelica

How could I finish this off without mentioning a Timberwolves favorite?

Bjelica made his NBA debut with the Wolves three seasons ago, and last season had a career-best year to help the Wolves to the playoffs.

Throughout 67 appearances and 21 starts, Bjelica averaged 6.8 points, 1.3 assists and 4.1 rebounds in 20.5 minutes. The number of starts shows Bjelica’s worth, as he was used to fill the hole left by Jimmy Butler’s absence due to injury.

According to the Star Tribune, after the Wolves were eliminated from the playoffs, Bjelica was quoted saying “I don’t know what I can say right now, I hope I will stay here. We will see. We had bad luck to play against Houston in the first round, but we have a great group of people here. First time in playoffs in 14 years is very important for us. I like it here.”

This gives me the impression that if the Timberwolves can reach a salary point that Bjelica is happy with, he’d rather stay here than go elsewhere. Bjelica’s market as a shooter is certainly going to involve a few offers, and if the Wolves can keep up, they can likely save themselves a bit compared to other teams in terms of contract offer.

Now, there’s always the chance Bjelica’s market will explode. Should he be offered a contract worth $10 million a year, should the Timberwolves match the offer? That’s down to individual opinion, and more importantly Tom Thibodeau’s game plan. Will we offer that money just to have him fall behind in the rotation, or will Bjelica become the centerpoint of the Wolves bench?

Bjelica contributes in a big way for the Timberwolves, and if the team loses him alongside Crawford, that’ll be a big hit for the second unit.

I’m hoping Bjelica’s market doesn’t go too crazy, and the Timberwolves are able to lock him down for a reasonable salary for a few more years in Minnesota.

Personally, I would love a second unit involving Tyus Jones, Seth Curry and Nemanja Bjelica. If the Timberwolves could manage both of those signings, and hold onto Jones, the Wolves’ second unit is going to be a serious threat for opposing defenses.

Next: Timberwolves Player Review: Andrew Wiggins

The Timberwolves’ free agency plans remain to be seen, but with a bit less cap to work with, these role players would be great oppositions to push the Timberwolves further in the right direction.