The Minnesota Timberwolves are looking to put the finishing touches on their roster, and reports indicate that both there is mutual interest between the Wolves and Nick Young.
It’s been a crazy offseason around the NBA already, and we’re only 10 days into free agency.
We’ve seen DeMarcus Cousins join the Golden State Warriors, LeBron James sign with the Los Angeles Lakers, and Paul George deciding to stay in Oklahoma City.
The Minnesota Timberwolves have had a good offseason thus far, but none of their signings have been off the charts. They drafted what appears to be two good players in Josh Okogie and Keita Bates-Diop in the draft — both first round talents that could each provide the team with solid two-way play.
Of course, the Wolves don’t have a lot of cap space to work with and because of that, they haven’t had the opportunity to go out and make a big splash in free agency. Sadly, they had to see Nemanja Bjelica sign elsewhere, but made up for that by signing Anthony Tolliver and Derrick Rose.
Now, it’s been reported that Nick Young and the Timberwolves have mutual interest in one another. Darren Wolfson of KSTP notes that the two have had recent discussions.
I'm darn near Swaggy'd out being a Big Brother (TV show) aficionado. As for Swaggy P, Nick Young, the Kings, Grizzlies, Rockets, Cavs, Utah, #Twolves, others have kicked the tires. Told he sees a good opportunity here in MN, if interest ever turns more aggressive like last year.
— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) July 9, 2018
Wolfson also reported that the parties had discussions about joining forces last offseason, but in the end Young decided to win his ring with the Golden State Warriors. Now, the Wolves have another opportunity and they’re going to look at the possibility of bringing him in.
For one, adding Swaggy P would bring an immediate injection of swag into Target Center. He’s definitely known for some antics both on and off court, but they make for a good time, for the most part.
Young also has the scoring and shooting ability needed for the Wolves bench. The 33-year-old averaged 7.3 points on 41.2 percent from the field and 37.7 percent from 3-point range last year in 17.2 minutes per game for Golden State — Young’s fewest MPG same his rookie season.
If he were to sign with the Timberwolves, he’d surely see something in the neighborhood of 18-20 minutes per game. Remember, Jamal Crawford averaged a hair over 19 per contest last year.
Signing Young means that the Wolves would be sacrificing defense, but that wouldn’t be any different than having Crawford on the floor last year, either. He can boost the offensive and shooting game, and that’s enough for Minnesota to at least look into bringing him in.
Next: Keita Bates-Diop is legit
It will be interesting to see where he ends up going, but the Wolves could certainly do worse with their remaining cap space and bi-annual exception.