It's been nearly two months since the NBA Draft occurred. However, Minnesota Timberwolves' second-round pick, Trey Kaufman-Renn, has yet to sign a contract. While Kaufman-Renn's contract status has flown under the radar, it's worth looking at the Wolves' options.
When Kaufman-Renn was selected with the 59th pick, I assumed he would slot into one of the Wolves' two-way contracts. Alas, though, we are still waiting to see what contract Kaufman-Renn will be on this season.
I think a two-way contract is the most likely at the end of the day. Still, considering we haven't gotten word on a new contract, it's worth wondering whether he'll be on a two-way contract, a G League contract, or maybe even a standard contract.
That's obviously a wide range of outcomes, but I think there's a chance for all of them.
Why Trey Kaufman-Renn could earn a two-way contract
If the Timberwolves go the two-way route, they'd either have to promote Zyon Pullin to a standard contract or cut ties with forward Enrique Freeman. As the 59th pick, Kaufman-Renn seems well-suited for a two-way contract, where he can develop and polish his skill set in the G League.
After Pullin's stellar summer league play, a standard contract would be well earned. Regardless, the Wolves have a suddenly deep guard room, and thus Pullin doesn't fit a clear need.
Both Freeman and Kaufman-Renn are forwards. Frankly, neither impressed at summer league. Granted, neither player's game is suited for this style of basketball. As connective forwards who make hustle plays, Freeman and Kaufman-Renn are similar. Keeping the younger and recently drafted forward would make sense, though.
TKR could be a sneaky candidate for the Timberwolves' open standard roster spot
The Timberwolves still need to fill at least one standard roster spot, but have two spots open. They sit $4 million below the second apron, and thus are likely to leave one roster spot open. With no move to date, you have to wonder what the Wolves are planning. Conventional wisdom would suggest a veteran signing, but how many vets can make an impact?
Kaufman-Renn fills the Wolves' need for a forward. It's unlikely he'd carve out minutes, though; his jump shot and lack of comfort with the ball are problematic. The real advantage would be signing him to a $1.3 million rookie minimum contract.
I know it sounds like a penny-pinching move, but finding a way to duck not just the second but the first tax apron by the deadline would benefit them, and having a cheaper contract could help them accomplish this goal. Nevertheless, Kaufman-Renn's path to minutes is unlikely, and this might feel like a waste of a roster spot as a result.
Whether the Timberwolves find a possible rotational contributor on the open market or simply find a trusted veteran voice, either feels more worthwhile than giving TKR a standard deal despite the financial reasons.
Kaufman-Renn could earn a G League contract
There's also a possibility that the Wolves simply sign Kaufman-Renn to a G League contract. Yes, it would be a bit odd considering they just drafted him, but he was only the 59th pick. And frankly, summer league felt like a vote of no confidence in Kaufman-Renn. He averaged a measly 12.7 minutes per game, 6.6 points, and 3.8 rebounds.
Kaufman-Renn made some disruptive hustle plays, crashed the glass well, and showcased some of his play-finishing abilities. He had some nice moments, but was far from a standout. I hate sounding negative about young players, but Kaufman-Renn simply looked like a G League player and nothing more in summer league.
If the Wolves like their two-way room and want to sign a veteran, signing Kaufman-Renn to a G League deal would make sense. Ultimately, it's hard to predict what contract Kaufman-Renn will sign, but it's certainly worth monitoring how this decision plays out.
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