Minnesota Timberwolves: 3 options for offseason roster moves
By Nate Ackert
Minnesota Timberwolves Option No. 2: An affordable free-agent addition
The Wolves stood pat during the first two weeks of free agency. While largely due to the Wolves limited cap flexibility, it also helped the team avoid overpaying for free agents.
Though most free agent signings have been completed, there are still some free agents out there that the Wolves could potentially afford.
Paul Millsap (Unrestricted Free Agent): Millsap has been a Wolves target for years. Though it may be difficult to draw Millsap to the Wolves’ situation after spending his last four seasons with a contending team in Denver, Millsap would make a lot of sense for this Wolves team.
The Wolves could offer Millsap a starting role at the 4-spot and provide defensive support as an above-average defender. Millsap’s experience could also help mentor the younger guys on the roster and provide the toughness and leadership needed to make the playoffs.
At the right price, Millsap would be a savvy addition.
DeMarcus Cousins (UFA): His pattern of signing with contenders over the last few years would suggest that signing with the Timberwolves would be unlikely, but DeMarcus Cousins would be an intriguing fit in Minnesota. The Wolves could offer Cousins a bigger role than any potential contender that would aim to sign him, and the team would likely be able to offer him more salary.
It would be interesting to see what Chris Finch could do with a center rotation of KAT, Cousins, and Naz Reid. The Wolves need help in the frontcourt, and if Cousins is looking for a bigger role on a team, the Wolves make a lot of sense for him.
Josh Hart (Restricted Free Agent): The Wolves have been linked to Hart this offseason. Hart is a restricted free agent, so the Wolves would need to offer more than the Pelicans would be willing to offer in order to sign him.
Depending on his price tag, Hart could be a nice buy-low option for the Wolves. Hart is a versatile defender that even saw limited minutes at the small-ball 4 position last season in New Orleans. Defensive versatility will be key for this Wolves’ second unit to be competitive this season, and Josh Hart makes sense for the Wolves so long as his price tag is reasonable.