Editor's note: This article was published shortly before Rui Hachimura signed with the Los Angeles Clippers. He is no longer an option for the Timberwolves.
As of now, the Minnesota Timberwolves are still in the mix for LeBron James. At the same time, it looks like the Cleveland Cavaliers are the slight favorites. Furthermore, having a backup plan this time of year is always wise, especially given the Wolves' limited forward depth. There's another Los Angeles Lakers forward who is still available in free agency and would be an ideal fit with the Wolves: Rui Hachimura.
Making a trade might seem ideal, but it's worth noting that unless the LaMelo Ball trade is quickly extended, the Wolves won't be able to aggregate Josh Green's salary for another 60 days. While a trade with Green is still possible after the Ball trade becomes official, he couldn't be paired with another player for 60 days.
As such, signing a free agent might be the best option if they strike out on LeBron. The Timberwolves have expressed interest in Hachimura, and according to NBA insider Marc Stein, there's really no way for the Lakers to re-sign Rui.
Given this, Minnesota could have a real chance to sign Rui, particularly if they don't land LeBron, and it's fair to assume that he is their backup plan if things don't work out with James. Look, the Wolves won't be able to find a player on the same level as James, but Rui is a rock-solid consolation prize who fits like a glove with the team.
The Wolves will face fairly steep competition for Hachimura, but there's no denying that he'd be a dream signing if they can't land LeBron.
Rui Hachimura would be an amazing fit with the Timberwolves
It's worth noting that signing Rui would likely require the Wolves to waive Green to open up cap space.
Hachimura's blend of 3-point shooting and size (6-foot-8) would make him a seamless fit with the Timberwolves. Notably, Hachimura netted 44.3 percent of his 3-point shots and 56.9 percent of his 3s in the playoffs last season.
This elite shooting makes Hachimura a true off-ball weapon, which in turn would make him a picture-perfect fit alongside the Timberwolves' established talent, including Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball.
A forward tandem of Hachimura and Jaden McDaniels is also intriguing. Hachimura's elite shooting would be a nice complement to McDaniels' secondary shot creation. Defensively, Hachimura could help free up McDaniels to either roam more off the ball or allow him to match up against opposing guards.
Without a doubt, this connective 3-and-D-like skill set is the perfect archetype for the Timberwolves to target if they can't land LeBron.
Now, whether Hachimura will be content to take the taxpayer mid-level (should the Wolves free up cap space) is a reasonable question. Regardless, if the Timberwolves can't land LeBron, signing Hachimura will likely become their top priority, and it's easy to see why.
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