NBA Rumors: Timberwolves free agency can afford to sign . . . ?

Buckle up Wolves Nation, the 2023 Offseason is in full swing! The 2023 NBA Free Agency is hours away, and our Minnesota Timberwolves have several critical roster moves to make. The Wolves ultimately had a tough decision to make earlier this week, and waived key veteran Taurean Prince and depth big Nathan Knight.

While it hurts to lose Taurean’s shooting and offensive versatility, opening up $7.45 million in space under the NBA luxury tax threshold was one of the few pathways to improving the roster.

Timberwolves Cap Picture

The Timberwolves currently have 13 roster spots filled and approximately $15.3 million in space to make moves, assuming both rookies Leonard Miller and Jaylen Clark sign their rookie minimum deals. Part of the genius of trading up for Leonard Miller is grabbing a second player who is eligible to sign for the rookie minimum of $1.1 million. In an offseason where threading the margin is paramount, grabbing two rookies with a total payroll of $2.2 million is a margin win that keeps options open.

The Mid Level Exception (MLE) in the NBA is an allotment for teams over the soft salary cap to add a free agent. This year, the exception is valued at $12.4 million. As a team operating over the soft salary cap,  the Timberwolves waiving Taurean Prince and Nathan Knight has unlocked the ability to utilize the entire MLE.

So with the board set, and $15.3 million in cash to play with, who can the Timberwolves realistically target to improve the roster?