Minnesota Timberwolves: What if there was an expansion draft?
![19 Jan 2001: Terrell Brandon #7 of the Minnesota Timberwolves jumps to shoot the ball the ball during the game against the Seattle SuperSonics at the Key Arena in Seattle, Washington. The Timberwolves defeated the SuperSonics 98-93. NOTE TO USER: It is expressly understood that the only rights Allsport are offering to license in this Photograph are one-time, non-exclusive editorial rights. No advertising or commercial uses of any kind may be made of Allsport photos. User acknowledges that it is aware that Allsport is an editorial sports agency and that NO RELEASES OF ANY TYPE ARE OBTAINED from the subjects contained in the photographs.Mandatory Credit: Otto Greule Jr. /Allsport 19 Jan 2001: Terrell Brandon #7 of the Minnesota Timberwolves jumps to shoot the ball the ball during the game against the Seattle SuperSonics at the Key Arena in Seattle, Washington. The Timberwolves defeated the SuperSonics 98-93. NOTE TO USER: It is expressly understood that the only rights Allsport are offering to license in this Photograph are one-time, non-exclusive editorial rights. No advertising or commercial uses of any kind may be made of Allsport photos. User acknowledges that it is aware that Allsport is an editorial sports agency and that NO RELEASES OF ANY TYPE ARE OBTAINED from the subjects contained in the photographs.Mandatory Credit: Otto Greule Jr. /Allsport](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/0ec6bcab96bf0cb6f8fcade3601da94e844b6e99a12a20c4870d955f1d155a65.jpg)
Tougher Decisions
Juan Hernangomez
Hernangomez showed lots of shooting promise in his past two seasons. He can hit 3-point shots at an efficient clip. Unfortunately, that’s pretty much all he can do. Hernangomez is not a great defender nor is he good at inside scoring for his size. He may be worth protecting, though, as a restricted free agent. He could provide an Ersan Ilyasova-type game moving forward as a stretch-four, and at least be given another ‘prove-it’ type year in a Timberwolves uniform.
Verdict: Protected (six of eight)
Jake Layman
Jake Layman provided a solid game next to Karl-Anthony Towns when he was healthy this past season. He was really good in the limited time that he played. For a forward that can stretch the floor and just score in general, he is on a very good bargain contract. Jake Layman is not talked about much in the overall landscape of the Timberwolves, but he is a consistent player that should be in Minnesota for a long time.
Verdict: Protected (seven of eight)
Jordan McLaughlin
Jordan McLaughlin, despite only being on a two-way contract, was extremely impressive late in the season. He was an efficient scorer, great passer, and solid defender. The Timberwolves need all-around guard players that can find time in the playoffs, and he could be one of them. McLaughlin should be re-signed long-term as a backup point guard with starter potential.
Verdict: Protected (eight of eight)