Free Agent IV: SG Gary Trent
What is the connection between Minnesota Timberwolves Head Coach Chris Finch and Toronto Raptors shooting guard Gary Trent? They were both members of the 2020-21 Toronto Raptors, a team that finished with a record of 27-45. Since that time, Coach Finch has gone on to pilot the Minnesota Timberwolves to respectability.
The Minnesota Timberwolves have a stockpile of talent, in theory, at shooting guard. But Trent is a player who can compete with the starting-5, or come off the bench to spark a rally either on the offensive or the defensive half of the basketball court. And you have to believe that the Timberwolves front office understands the importance of depth at key positions. After all, the Timberwolves roster for the 2022-23 NBA season appeared very robust, but it only took an injury or two to have the team scramble.
Why the Timberwolves wouldn’t pursue him: The Minnesota Timberwolves are still in the dark as to what this full and healthy 2023-24 Timberwolves roster is capable of. Without knowing where this roster is currently at, the team’s powers-that-be cannot have a clear picture of what is needed to get to the next level. Without that pinpoint accurate understanding, would the team pursue any free agent?
Why the Timberwolves would pursue him: While there are some free agents that would necessitate the Timberwolves to reshuffle their roster, I don’t think that Gary Trent is one of them. And the Timberwolves have little depth behind starting small forward Jaden McDaniels and shooting guard Anthony Edwards. A veteran like Trent would be an ideal bridge veteran for this Timberwolves roster that needs more versatility and depth.