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) /

4 of 5

Minnesota Timberwolves, Matthew Dellavedova

Matthew Dellavedova of the Cleveland Cavaliers. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

2019/2020 Salary $9,607,500

Estimated Per-Year Salary of New Contract: $4,250,000

Matthew Dellavedova made a name for himself as the pesky backup guard for the 2015-16 NBA Champion Cleveland Cavaliers.

Since then, his play has declined as a result of Cleveland’s rebuild, which has resulted in them drafting guards in back-to-back drafts in 2018 and 2019. Dellavedova was one of the Cavaliers’ many bloated contracts this season at just over $9 million per year while sharing a crowded backcourt that included Darius Garland, Collin Sexton, Dante Exum, and Kevin Porter Jr.

Dellavedova’s decreased production will likely lead to a significant decrease in the salary of his next contract, which could make him affordable for the Timberwolves.

For the Wolves, Dellavedova offers another pesky defender and hustle player that would positively affect the culture of the Timberwolves. Also, while Dellavedova struggled shooting this year, he has shown the ability to be a respectable 3 point shooter in the past, averaging 36.8 percent from three for his career.

As a respectable defender, shooter, and passer, Dellavedova could make a lot of sense for the Timberwolves, so long as his price tag falls into their budget. While Jordan McLaughlin flashed ability towards the end of last year, Dellavedova has a proven track record and important experience to bring to the Wolves bench.

Home/Timberwolves News