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Minnesota Timberwolves: Patrick Patterson is FA option

By Dylan Jackson

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 30: Patrick Patterson #54 of the Los Angeles Clippers looks on during warm ups before the game against the Orlando Magic at Staples Center on March 30, 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 Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 30: Patrick Patterson #54 of the Los Angeles Clippers looks on during warm ups before the game against the Orlando Magic at Staples Center on March 30, 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 Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) /
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The Minnesota Timberwolves have had a mildly uneventful offseason. They have made a few trades and have yet to sign any major free agents. Jordan McLaughlin and Jarred Vanderbilt are still free agents about a month after it opened – and the Timberwolves are likely done making any large moves until the season starts.

Minnesota Timberwolves: Patrick Patterson is a free agency option

There are a few players still on the market that make sense for a Timberwolves team that deliberately acquired veteran players this offseason via trade (Patrick Beverley, Taurean Prince).

There are various veteran players that make sense for a Timberwolves team that needs to continue to add complementary skill sets. However, one player that sticks out as a versatile forward – Patrick Patterson, who last played for the Los Angeles Clippers.

Patterson, a 6-foot-8 power forward, averaged five points, two rebounds, and an assist per game on shooting splits of 44/36/77. He’s an efficient, low-volume option that plays with effort on both sides of the ball, and has been to the playoffs four times out of the past six seasons (did not make any appearances for the Clippers this year).

That said, he’s still a player that should be able to provide value – one that has playoff experience and brings a skill set that is rare in today’s NBA. While he’s not exactly the best 3-and-D forward, he does enough to where he could get on the court for a Timberwolves team that lacks wing/forward depth at a consistent level.

The Timberwolves currently have Jaden McDaniels, Taurean Prince, and Jake Layman as combo forward options – that isn’t the best bunch – and Patterson would add a level of depth that Minnesota has not had in several years.

Either way, the Timberwolves have the means to acquire another veteran player, and should look to do so. Patterson presents an opportunity that isn’t always there.

Next. Timberwolves: What is Malik Beasley's role. dark

Other options for the Timberwolves to consider include James Ennis and Wes Matthews. Ennis, another combo-forward, last played for the Orlando Magic, averaging eight points and four rebounds on shooting splits of 47/43/81. Matthews made 58 appearances for the Lakers, averaging five points and two rebounds per game, on splits of 35/34/85.

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