If the Minnesota Timberwolves wanted to make a move, there’s no time like the present. And so, the wait is over, as the first Minnesota Timberwolves free agency signing of 2022 is in the record books. The team has come to an agreement with former Memphis Grizzlies forward Kyle Anderson. I like this fit and the mindset behind adding him to the roster.
So how much did it cost the team?
Kyle Anderson has agreed to a two-year, $18M deal to join the Timberwolves, his agents Thad Foucher and Joe Smith of @wassbasketball tell ESPN. https://t.co/fWzhFhVfkx
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2022
Anderson is a nice front-court piece, a tall combination forward who stands 6-foot-9 and weighs 230-pounds. He’s a veteran of eight NBA seasons and is a better and bigger power forward than the Timberwolves’ current roster boasts.
Anderson brings a nice length to the Minnesota Timberwolves front court, and with it noticeable stinginess to the defensive side of the basketball court. While he can frustrate opponents, he is well-disciplined. He seldom commits fouls or turnovers, both positive for a team hoping to advance in the NBA Playoffs. He can get hot-handed offensively, and while not known for a perimeter shot, he has the skill to launch and hit from beyond the arc.
While he has the chops to start for the Timberwolves, I expect that the team will continue to feature young Jarred Vanderbilt as the team’s primary starter at the four, but will not hesitate to steer minutes to Anderson throughout the season, particularly if Vanderbilt struggles in his role.
PG: D’Angelo Russell*, Patrick Beverly*, Jordan Mclaughlin
SG: Anthony Edwards, Malik Beasley, Jaylen Nowell, Wendell Moore
SF: Taurean Prince, Jaden McDaniels, Leandro Bolmaro
PF: Jarred Vanderbilt, Kyle Anderson, Josh Minott**
C : Karl Anthony Towns, Walker Kessler, Naz Reid
* Combination guards who can play either point guard or shooting guard.
** Josh Minott will be offered a two-way contract.
There is still plenty of time, and plenty of action remaining. The Timberwolves are seeking an ideal rim protector to add to the roster, and you should not rule out a trade of D’Angelo Russell for a veteran, and less expensive, point guard to run the team this season.
The Minnesota Timberwolves wanted to sign a front-court player to help their defense, and Kyle Anderson checks all the boxes. What’s next? Stay tuned . . .