The Minnesota Timberwolves have yet to address their need for a power forward. With Jaden McDaniels as the team's lone forward, Minnesota needs to make a move. It remains unclear who they'll target, whether that be via free agency or the trade market. Thankfully, reporting from The Stein Line indicates that the Wolves are in the mix for Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura.Â
"As the market has developed, sources say Hachimura's representation has now been in contact with Minnesota and Golden State as well. The Timberwolves have a well-chronicled need for a power forward after committing to trade away Randle and Naz Reid so they can pair LaMelo Ball with Anthony Edwards and Hachimura is said to stand as their current top choice at the position."
Wolves fans should be thrilled about the possibility of adding Hachimura, who is an ideal (and fairly realistic) power forward target. I do think Hachimura signing a minimum contract is unlikely. As such, it might be necessary to waive and stretch Josh Green to open up cap space. This is especially the case since they're competing against the Brooklyn Nets and Golden State Warriors.
Given the Wolves' lack of cap space, I never thought they'd have a chance to sign Hachimura despite his ideal fit. Still, this update opens the door for a brilliant yet somewhat unexpected move.
It's worth noting that The Stein Line also reported that the markets for Hachimura and Jonathan Kuminga seem to be overlapping, which could indicate the Wolves are in the mix for Kuminga (I doubt the Warriors are). Regardless, for now, let's stick to what Hachimura's fit with the Wolves would look like. Spoiler alert: it's perfect.Â
Rui Hachimura would be an ideal signing for the Timberwolves
First and foremost, Hachimura is an elite spot-up shooter. This past season, he netted 44.3 percent of his 3-pointers, including 56.9 percent of his 3s in the playoffs. Â
With 86.6 percent of his made field goals assisted, Hachimura is generally just a play-finisher. However, with Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball, the Wolves have ample creation. Even players like Jaden McDaniels and Ayo Dosunmu have some creation abilities. Point being, the Wolves don't need another shot creator as they look to bolster their forward depth.Â
Hachimura is also a rock-solid defender who can guard opposing forwards and is highly attentive off the ball. It's a bit of a cliché, but Hachimura is truly a classic 3-and-D player, which is an ideal archetype for the Wolves to add at the forward position.Â
Currently, the Timberwolves' forward options, at least in free agency, are dwindling; even realistic targets like Marvin Bagley and Kenrich Williams are off the market. This update about Hachimura should give fans some level of hope, though. Barring a long-shot LeBron James signing, Hachimura seems like the Wolves' best possible power forward option in free agency.
If the Timberwolves strike out on Hachimura, a trade involving Josh Green feels likely. Nevertheless, if Tim Connelly can find a way to sign Hachimura despite the Timberwolves' financial limitations, that would be a masterful move.
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