Three biggest questions for the Minnesota Timberwolves this offseason

DENVER, CO - FEBRUARY 23: Malik Beasley #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves points to the crowd before the game against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center on February 23, 2020 in Denver, Colorado. 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 Justin Tafoya/Getty Images) /

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DENVER, CO – FEBRUARY 23: Malik Beasley (Photo by Justin Tafoya/Getty Images) /

2) What is to make of Malik Beasley?

The Malik Beasley situation is becoming more clear: the Minnesota Timberwolves very clearly want him on the roster in 2020-21. And if that is the case, he will either be a starter or sixth-man. Beasley is going to play plenty of minutes for any team that signs him this offseason.

Beasley averaged over 20 points per game in a Timberwolves uniform. More impressive: He did it with incredible efficiency. In general, Beasley is not a great fit next to Russell in the backcourt. Both players struggle with defense and Beasley is not a great playmaker, either. That said, it would be foolish not to retain him given just how good of a scorer he looked to be.

In terms of contracts, Beasley is one of the toughest in the NBA to predict. On one hand, he did not flash much this past year for the Denver Nuggets. However, when playing over 30 minutes per game (especially for the Timberwolves, he was shooting on splits of 47/42/80.

Bringing back Beasley is not just a long-term commitment to him. It’s a commitment to finding the correct players to surround he, Russell, and Towns. None of the three are good at defense. Finding good complimentary players after bringing back Beasley on a contract that could be north of $17 million per year is going to be difficult, but Gersson Rosas should absolutely be up to the challenge.

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