The Minnesota Timberwolves have reached new heights. This season, the Wolves have already won 42 games, the same amount of wins as they finished with a season ago.
Now that they've reached contending status, the front office has looked to improve the squad by any means necessary. Last month, the Wolves swung a trade with the Detroit Pistons to acquire guard Monte Morris in exchange for Shake Milton, Troy Brown Jr., and a 2030 second-rounder.
Then, over a week ago, the Wolves signed veteran forward Justin Jackson to a 10-day contract. However, his contribution was hardly felt. Jackson only appeared in two games and played a total of 42 seconds.
Although Jackson wasn't given much of a chance, it appears the Wolves have their sights set on filling the final roster spot with a veteran wing. Earlier today, The Athletic's Shams Charania reported Minnesota plans to sign veteran forward T.J. Warren once Jackson's 10 days are up.
The Minnesota Timberwolves are planning to sign free agent F TJ Warren on a 10-day contract, pending physical exam early this week, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Minnesota has monitored the 8-year NBA vet throughout the season. Warren is a career 15 points per game scorer. pic.twitter.com/oPG0ZJHmTm
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 2, 2024
Unlike Jackson, Warren is a proven scorer. He's a career 14.6-point-per-game scorer and has shown flashes of brilliance in the past. Not long ago, when the NBA played in "the bubble," Warren went bezerk. He averaged 26.6 points and recorded a 53-point game.
Unfortunately for the former Indiana Pacer, his career has been marred by injuries. Lower body injuries, especially to his left foot, have derailed his career. Warren spent two years nursing consecutive stress fractures.
Now healthy, Warren looks to make his mark in his return to the NBA. The 30-year-old wing has yet to play a minute this season. His last time on the hardwood dates back to May 11 in last seasons's playoffs.
While playing for the Phoenix Suns, his second stint with the squad, he averaged just 4.2 points and 3.1 rebounds per game in 12.3 minutes of action. Never known to be the most effective sniper, Warren shot only 31.6 percent from beyond the arc, four percentage points worse than his career average.
It's been apparent that Minnesota is looking to add more shooting to the roster. Nevertheless, wing depth is also a top priority. The Wolves were reportedly interested in several wings at the trade deadline and even linked to free agent Marcus Morris Sr.
Albeit, it now appears the Wolves have found their man in Warren. The North Carolina State product is a proven shotmaker and a quality wing. If he's able to stay healthy and find a consistent role, this signing could truly pay dividends for the Wolves.
All in all, this is a risk-free signing for Minnesota. If Warren doesn't pan out, Minnesota can set its sights on another free agent. Perhaps the aforementioned Morris Sr. (if he's still available) or a sweet-shooting guard.