Minnesota Timberwolves: 4 cap-friendly free agent targets

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)
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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John Henson

Minnesota Timberwolves, John Henson
Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets and John Henson of the Detroit Pistons. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images) /

2019-20 Salary $8,732,396

Estimated Per-Year Salary of New Contract: $5,500,000

The emergence of Christian Wood paired with the presence Blake Griffin on the roster has left John Henson in a tough position with the Detroit Pistons.

Having spent the majority of his career in Milwaukee, Henson has proven to be a solid rebounding and defensive big. Averaging 7.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game over his career, Henson could be a versatile contributor for the Wolves.

Much like Jahlil Okafor, Henson’s interior game could act as a change-of-pace option from Juancho Hernangomez, who is more of a floor-spacer. As a former two-time ACC Defensive Player of the Year, Henson’s defensive game has translated to the NBA, and the Wolves need defensive help wherever they can get it.

For Henson, the Wolves could offer an increased role due to lack of depth at his position. While a starting role would likely be out of the question, Henson would be tasked with leading the Wolves second-unit defensively, a much larger role than he has in Detroit.

His decreased role in Detroit will likely drive down his value in free agency, which could provide an opportunity for the Wolves to pick him up at an affordable price.

Overall, while these options may not be perfect for the Timberwolves, it is entirely plausible that the Wolves, like many other NBA teams this offseason, could have limited available cap space.

Next. Timberwolves Draft Profile: Aaron Nesmith. dark

Because of this, the front office may have to go bargain-hunting in the free agent market, and these players present affordable options to help the team improve.