The Minnesota Timberwolves have the possibility of adding a lot of talent this offseason. That does not mean they shouldn’t bring back certain players.
The Minnesota Timberwolves are in an advantageous spot this offseason. With Malik Beasley possibly returning next season in addition to the first overall pick (likely one of Anthony Edwards or LaMelo Ball), the guard rotation is coming together very nicely.
That said, Jordan McLaughlin performed very well towards the end of last season and is almost certainly worth a contract. McLaughlin, who averaged eight points, two rebounds, and four assists this past season, was on a two-way contract as a rookie from Southern California.
After going undrafted in 2018, McLaughlin has found his footing as a rotational guard for Minnesota. He is incredibly efficient in terms of his shooting splits and provides high-effort play on both sides of the ball. He’s the kind of player that can perform next to anyone in the backcourt – and the type of guy that makes his teammates better.
McLaughlin likely won’t get much money in free agency – he’s a 24-year old undersized point guard without much experience. But his playmaking in addition to his high efficiency as a shooter and defender indicates he could be a good long-term player for the Timberwolves.
Finding good, young talent to fill out the back end of the roster/rotation is something most teams struggle to do. Good depth can put a team over the top – like the Miami Heat have shown in the 2020 playoffs.
Regardless of whether Minnesota decides to bring back McLaughlin next season, he will absolutely be on a roster somewhere – likely for a team that won’t regret bringing him in.
McLaughlin is not going to net more than $5 million per season on his next contract in the NBA – and if that is the cost, the Timberwolves would be insane not to match that price-tag.