The Minnesota Timberwolves are coming off a wildly successful season. Minnesota won 56 games and advanced to the Western Conference Finals behind a strong starting five and an impressive duo off the bench.
Despite the bench duo of Naz Reid and Nickeil Alexander-Walker's quality contributions, the rest of the reserves failed to make an impact. Kyle Anderson showed out against the Dallas Mavericks but failed to build off a strong 2022-23 campaign as his statistics decreased across the board.
The front office even attempted to bolster the reserve unit at the trade deadline by shipping out Shake Milton, Troy Brown Jr., and a future second-round pick for Monte Morris. Once lauded as a good addition, Morris' inclusion didn't have much of an effect on the Timberwolves.
The former Denver Nugget averaged a mere 5.1 points and 2.3 assists per game in Minnesota. Whether it was a lingering injury or a too-soon integration into the Timberwolves' lineup, the trade for Morris failed to meet expectations.
Coincidentally for Minnesota, both Morris and Anderson are free agents. While the Wolves may re-sign both players to maneuver the strict second-tax apron, it's also possible the duo signs somewhere else for a larger coin.
If Morris and Anderson decide to take their talents elsewhere, the Wolves will be tasked with finding a new backup point guard and a combo forward who can play both forward spots. Below, we've identified five ex-Timberwolves, some of whom fit this criteria, that Minnesota can re-sign for a near-minimum contract.
5. Keita Bates-Diop
Keita Bates-Diop only appeared in 67 games for the Timberwolves. The Ohio State product was drafted with the 48th overall selection in the second round after averaging nearly 20 points per game in his senior season in Columbus.
Throughout the first few seasons of his career, Bates-Diop played a low-usage, serviceable role for several squads. His best season came in 2022-23, playing for the San Antonio Spurs, Bates-Diop averaged 9.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and drilled 39.4 percent of his triples.
This past season, the 28-year-old forward split his time between Phoenix and Brooklyn. Bates-Diop appeared in only 53 games before a right tibia stress fracture prematurely ended his season. Although Bates-Diop's injury required surgery, he should be good to go before the beginning of next season.
What makes Bates-Diop's inclusion on the list overhasty is the player option he's yet to decide on. The veteran forward can accept his $2.6 million player option and spend another season in Brooklyn. However, Bates-Diop may envision himself playing a bigger role elsewhere.
Over 14 games, the 6-foot-8 wing played in just 68 minutes for the wing-heavy Nets squad. Brooklyn already employs Mikal Bridges, Cameron Johnson, Dorian Finney-Smith, Jalen Wilson, Trendon Watford, and Dariq Whitehead.
Bates-Diop would assuredly be in the mix for a primary reserve role in Minnesota. The Wolves could use another combo forward with Anderson being a potential flight risk. Plus, the former Buckeye has demonstrated capable marksmanship in the past which is a need for the Timberwolves.