The Los Angeles Clippers signed Bradley Beal after he was bought out by the Phoenix Suns. Notably, the Minnesota Timberwolves were a rumored landing spot for Beal. However, after not signing him, their plan for the rest of the offseason is clear: signing a depth piece to round out the roster.
Beal signing with the Clippers was a fairly expected move. Likewise, it was expected that the Wolves wouldn’t make a major move for the rest of the offseason despite having two open roster spots. Regardless, Beal landing with the Clippers makes this all but guaranteed for the Clippers.
BREAKING: Three-time NBA All-Star Bradley Beal has agreed to a contract buyout with the Phoenix Suns and plans to join the Los Angeles Clippers on a two-year, $11 million deal with a player option after clearing waivers, Mark Bartelstein of @PrioritySports told ESPN. pic.twitter.com/gxZB0ObSms
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 16, 2025
The Wolves are likely to sign a depth piece
Recently, Tim Connelly spoke about how the Wolves' continuity is an advantage, making a major move seem unlikely. Less than 24 hours later, Beal signed with the Clippers, and this direction seems even clearer for Minnesota. The only other “big name” the Wolves could sign would be Washington Wizards point guard Malcolm Brogdon. His steady playmaking presence would solve a key issue for the Wolves, and they have confirmed interest in him.
Nevertheless, the Wolves’ belief in second-year guard Rob Dillingham and desire to play at a faster pace means signing a pure depth piece is more likely. Furthermore, after Connelly’s comments, this direction seems probable. This is logical for a Wolves rotation that is already capable of going 10 deep. The Wolves also re-signed Joe Ingles at the start of free agency, indicating a preference to have veterans who are comfortable taking on a role at the end of the bench.
The Wolves have multiple guards they could target
The Wolves are most likely to address their guard depth, given their expressed interest in guards on the market and that this position group is the least deep. While they don’t have reported interest in him, former Timberwolf Monte Morris would be the perfect target, especially given his knack for playmaking.
Cameron Payne, Delon Wright, or Alec Burks are other names who make sense as depth pieces. All of these players would be comfortable with a depth role. However, just as importantly, they could contribute if injuries arise. Patty Mills also makes sense as a pure depth piece and veteran presence, much like Ingles. The ability to compete for a title in Minnesota would be enticing for all of these veteran guards.
Ultimately, Minnesota signing one of these veteran guards or another forward/big man appears to be their likely next move to round out an already impressive roster.