How are we doing Wolves Nation, can you believe it’s already mid-July? The NBA Draft has come and gone, the ink has dried on $2 billion in contract money, and the NBA Summer League is in full swing. Following the fireworks of the 2022 summer, the Timberwolves have opted for a more conservative mantra – Run it back. From Naz Reid’s return to re-signing wing Nickeil Alexander-Walker, this Timberwolves team appears to be stronger than ever.
Don’t mistake running it back for standing still, as the Timberwolves have aggressively worked the margin in a bid to optimize the roster around stars center Rudy Gobert, power forward Karl Anthony-Towns, and shooting guard Anthony Edwards.
Moves So Far:
The Timberwolves first struck in the 2023 NBA Draft, trading up for pick #33 in the second round for the rights to select forward Leonard Miller. Twenty picks later, the Wolves utilized their 53rd pick to select defensive dynamo Jaylen Clark. Miller inked a 4-year $8.7m deal, while Clark signed a Two-Way contract while he nurses an Achilles injury.
The Wolves entered the offseason with two key restricted free agents, Naz Reid and Nickiel Alexander-Walker. Both were retained by the Wolves on reasonable deals, 3 years for $42 million and 2 years for $9 million respectively. Naz’s contract specifically was a win because there was significant interest should he have reached unrestricted free agency.
Seeing how things have shaken out, seems reasonable to believe Naz Reid would have had a significant offer had he reached free agency. Wolves did well to get him done early and Reid benefited from that urgency as well. https://t.co/hXc2kHqNWI
— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) July 1, 2023
Center Luka Garza also joins Clark on a two-way deal. While a qualifying offer has been extended to Matt Ryan for the third and final two-way spot, Ryan has not signed the contract, making him a restricted free agent. Ryan’s two-way spot is very much in question, and a strong summer league performance could see him challenged for that third two-way opportunity.
Timberwolves also struck on day one of free agency, bringing in former 76ers guard Shake Milton and Lakers forward Troy Brown Jr., inking both on two-year deals valued at $10 million and $8 million respectively.
Current Roster & Cap Space
Phew, still with me? All of this leaves the Timberwolves with a spot open on the 15-man regular season roster, and a two-way contract potentially still open.
With the Leonard Miller signature, here's a look at the #Timberwolves current cap situation.
— Tim Garrison (@TimGarrisonMN) July 10, 2023
1 roster spot remains & 2.6m remains to sign a vet minimum player & remain under the luxury tax.
A #NBASummerLeague standout like Brandon Williams could be an option on that two-way. pic.twitter.com/N63eqyeg1p
Wolves still have some margin moves to complete ahead of training camp. With point guard Brandon Williams stealing the show in the first summer league game, keep an eye out for him and other summer league breakouts to fill that final two-way spot. As for the 15-man roster spot, a culture guy and veteran could be useful to round out a team filled with young talent. Maybe a reunion with an old friend like veteran guard Austin Rivers is on the horizon.
For now, here is the projected depth chart:
With Leonard Miller's signature inked, #Timberwolves have 14 players under contract.
— Tim Garrison (@TimGarrisonMN) July 10, 2023
That leaves one more to go for 15, and a two-way slot open as well.
Matt Ryan has been tendered by the Wolves, making him an RFA, but that 3rd two-way spot is very much open.#RaisedByWolves pic.twitter.com/Spep6vBtZb
So for now, sit back and take in summer league action. As the Timberwolves navigate their final roster spots, we’ll keep you up to date on the latest news and targets.