Minnesota Timberwolves: Practicing the art of walking away in free agency
By Logan Alten
Kelan Martin
Last but not least is McLaughlin’s fellow two-way player, and the third amigo of Karl Anthony Towns and D’Angelo Russell, Kelan Martin. Martin would probably be the easiest to let go of these players and if it’s anything over a veteran minimum or maybe $2 million a year, the team could look to move on.
A player that could replace Martin on the team could be Boston Celtic’s Semi Ojeleye. Ojeleye could likely be had for a part or all of the biannual exception and would provide an upgrade over Martin.
Like Hernangomez and Beasley, Ojeleye has experience playing for a competitive team could add valuable experience to the team. Another thing Ojeleye could provide is the ability to throw another strong defender at the star wings of each team for a change of pace.
Restricted free agent Kenrich Williams of the New Orleans Pelicans is another player that could potentially fit the mold of a replacement for Martin. Williams is a 3-and-D player that could likely be had for a price somewhere in the middle of Martin and Ojeleye.
With a myriad of wings on their team, it would be hard to see New Orleans matching any deal of value offered. Williams could give Minnesota a player capable of playing in just about any lineup and having some versatility which every team could never have too much of.
One more potential replacement option that could fit for the Wolves would be either of Milwaukee’s free agent forwards, Pat Connaughton or Sterling Brown. While Brown is restricted, both players could likely be signed for somewhere around the price of the previously mentioned players. Both offer good defense, some upside, and different looks offensively. Like Ojeleye, either member of the Bucks duo could provide some playoff experience and competitive insight.
Next. An interview with Jordan McLaughlin. dark
In short, the Wolves have a lot of options to keep their team flexible and not overburden their books should one of their free agents get offered a deal that’s hard to match. It’ll be up to Gerrson Rosas and the front office to make the important decision of when to walk away and set up contingencies should the team have to let one of their restricted free agents walk.