Dunking With Wolves
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Minnesota Timberwolves: 1 free agency target from each Western Conference playoff team

By Dylan Jackson

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 17: Serge Ibaka #9 of the LA Clippers attempts to block a pass by Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz at Staples Center on February 17, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 17: Serge Ibaka #9 of the LA Clippers attempts to block a pass by Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz at Staples Center on February 17, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) /
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LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA – AUGUST 09: Zach Collins #33 of the Portland Trail Blazers. Possible Minnesota Timberwolves target. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA – AUGUST 09: Zach Collins #33 of the Portland Trail Blazers. Possible Minnesota Timberwolves target. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Minnesota Timberwolves free agency targets: Zach Collins

When the Portland Trail Blazers traded up to select Zach Collins with the 10th overall pick in the 2017 draft, they selected him over Donovan Mitchell and Bam Adebayo. Presumably, they believed they would be getting a good franchise big man – and that has not come true.

Zach Collins has been an interesting player – one that has not made an appearance since the 2019-20 season due to an injury. However, he is a good defensive big that has the ability to hit the occasional 3-pointer.

Those two traits alone should make him interesting. But all indications point towards Portland not bringing Collins back for the 2021-22 season – despite the flashes he has shown in the past.

Even in playoff minutes against older, more experienced big men, Collins held his own in both 2018 and 2019 – averaging seven points, four rebounds, and 1.4 blocks in 51/33/80 splits through 18 playoff games.

To say Collins has peaked would be very inaccurate, and there is a chance he could be the third PF/C in the Timberwolves rotation should Gersson Rosas elect to sign him this offseason – filling in whenever McDaniels or Towns leaves the floor.

The injury does leave some concerns about how good he could be going forward, but as a low-end forward/big man option, Zach Collins is likely going to be one of the better options on the market – particularly if the price isn’t going to be tremendously high.