Option III: Will Barton
If there is one Buy-Out candidate to keep an eye on, it’s shooting guard/small forward Will Barton. Barton has experienced significant regression on the Washington Wizards roster this season, but he was a valued contributor for the Denver Nuggets for the past eight seasons before that. And that will place him firmly on the radar for Minnesota Timberwolves President of Basketball Operations Tim Connelly, who was the Nuggets’ former president.
ESPN Sources: The Wizards are working on a contract buyout for veteran G/F Will Barton, allowing him to become a free agent. Barton, 32, has had a limited role with Washington this season, but started 71 games and averaged 14.7 points for the Nuggets a season ago.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 9, 2023
The chance to add Will Barton may be something that Connelly is interested in doing, as he still has a fine long-range shot of 38 percent from the perimeter, which bests his career average of 35.5 percent.
Barton is another NBA seasoned veteran whose production has plummeted this season, precipitating his buyout. Unlike other veterans on this list, Barton’s drop seems directly tied to his move to the Washington Wizards, and the fact that his style of play is not as compatible with his new team as originally hoped for. Because that could be the reason, Barton’s production could jump with a change of zip code. The Timberwolves would be wise to consider adding Barton.