Minnesota Timberwolves: 4 cap-friendly free agent targets

By Nate Ackert | Jul 30, 2020

TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 12: Jahlil Okafor #8 of the Philadelphia Sixers and D'Angelo Russell #1 of the Los Angeles Lakers and the United States team talk on court in the second half against the World team during the BBVA Compass Rising Stars Challenge 2016 at Air Canada Centre on February 12, 2016 in Toronto, Canada. 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 Elsa/Getty Images) /

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Minnesota Timberwolves, Willy Hernangomez

Willy Hernangomez of the Charlotte Hornets. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /

2019-20 Salary: $1,676,735

Estimated Per-Year Salary of New Contract: $2,000,000

Willy Hernangomez, brother of Minnesota’s Juancho Hernangomez, is a center for the Charlotte Hornets.

Though his playing time has been limited, Willy has shown his ability to score and rebound when he gets on the floor, averaging 6.9 points and 5.4 rebounds per game throughout his career despite just 14.4 minutes per game. In fact, per 36 minutes, Willy is one of the most efficient centers in the NBA.

Hernangomez’s playing time has been impacted by a crowded frontcourt in Charlotte and his defensive shortfalls, but a team that could offer more playing time could bring out the best in his game.

As a team with limited bigs, the Wolves could offer Hernangomez more playing time than he received in Charlotte. Additionally, the Wolves could offer the chance for Willy to unite with his brother, Juancho, which could even set up the Wolves to sign Willy at a slight discount.

Though he is generally a defensive liability, Willy Hernangomez could offer the Wolves some much-needed inside scoring and rebounding off the bench at an affordable price.

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