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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MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE – MAY 11: Josh Richardson #0 of the Dallas Mavericks. Possible Minnesota Timberwolves target. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE – MAY 11: Josh Richardson #0 of the Dallas Mavericks. Possible Minnesota Timberwolves target. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images) /

Minnesota Timberwolves free agency target: Josh Richardson

The Mavericks have a plethora of free agent cap space going forward, and whether Josh Richardson accepts his player option is looking like a toss-up at this point in the playoffs. Dallas is currently up 1-0 on the Clippers, largely because of the contributions of Luka Doncic.

Josh Richardson averaged 12 points, three rebounds, and three assists per game this past season on 43/33/92 splits – the worst 3-point shooting mark of his career. Still, though, as a 27-year old two-way wing player, he is going to be very valuable moving forward – especially on the open market.

It will be more difficult for the Timberwolves to bring in Richardson than other teams because of their salary cap limitations, but if Minnesota were able to secure him in a sign-and-trade, that would also be a savvy move by Gersson Rosas.

The Timberwolves biggest need this offseason is perimeter defense, and Richardson brings a lot of it. The offense can be there some games (and be awful others), but the floor of what you’re getting in a defensive wing in his prime is more than enough to sign, should the Timberwolves have that opportunity.

Additionally, the playmaking that Richardson brought during his Miami Heat days are something that Chris Finch could use from the wing position – the Timberwolves do not currently have a wing creator on their roster – and it would be interesting to see how Richardson would be utilized alongside Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns.