Timberwolves Rumors: Mike Conley Jr. tops list of PG targets

Timberwolves international option

In every NBA offensive arsenal, there is that half-court buzzer-beater that is the NBA version of football’s Hail Mary pass. So why not embed that same process for the Timberwolves’ strategy to reinforce the roster? Only, instead of a half-court shot, something along the lines of looking into international players.

Bonus option: Matteo Spagnolo

The Minnesota Timberwolves currently hold the rights to three players who are currently competing internationally: G Matteo Spagnolo, C Paulao Prestis, and C Henk Norel. Of that group, only Matteo Spagnolo is actively competing in basketball overseas.

Spagnolo was selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves with the 20th pick of the second round in the 2022 NBA Draft. At the time, the Timberwolves roster was loaded with players, so the option was made to draft and stash Matteo Spagnolo in the Euroleague competition.  This season, he is competing for Dolomiti Energia Trento and is averaging 26.4 minutes, 10.3 points, 4.9 assists, and 3.3 rebounds per game.

Of course, Spagnolo is under contract with Real Madrid, and any overtures to bring him to the NBA would require satisfying the terms of that contract. Beyond that, A young Italian star will require plenty of time to acclimate to the United States lifestyle and to the NBA version of basketball.

But that’s why this is a Hail Mary option after all.