Timberwolves: 4 potential free agent targets with ties to Coach Finch

Free Agent III: SF Josh Hart

Do the Minnesota Timberwolves need another wing player who can defend the perimeter and score points? If he is 3-and-D wing specialist Josh Hart, the Timberwolves roster will find an open slot. So what is the connection between Hart and Finch? (It sounds like a good bookstore, doesn’t it?)

This duo was on the New Orleans Pelicans at the same time, from 2018-2020. While the Pelicans were not exactly competing in the postseason during that time frame, Hart and Coach Finch became familiar and comfortable working together. Much like Gary Trent above, the versatility of Hart to play at either 2 or 3 on the Timberwolves roster is a tempting reason for the Timberwolves to pursue him. And his ability to defend at such a very high level is a solid value to a Timberwolves team that has struggled to defend the perimeter at times.

Why the Timberwolves wouldn’t pursue him: There is no denying that the Minnesota Timberwolves improved their overall defense through the course of the 2022-23 NBA season. But there is an undeniable tradeoff whenever a team attempts to amplify one quality. Oftentimes, other qualities suffer. Hart could be seen as a duplicitous investment, that is, he does much of what Jaden McDaniels can do.

Why the Timberwolves would pursue him: The Timberwolves have a strong interest in getting stronger, particularly when it comes to the NBA Playoffs, and defense can be of particular value when it comes to postseason competition. Hart is versatile enough and proficient enough to add value to the Timberwolves roster, a mini-me version of power forward Kyle Anderson, and that is one more power tool in the chest for Coach Finch. Much like Gary Trent, Hart can fill the role of starter, or come off the bench to spark the Timberwolves. While his 2022-23 season average of 51.9 percent scoring from the perimeter is unlikely to be matched in 2023-24, it’s awfully shiny.