Most of the buzz around the Minnesota Timberwolves' offseason is understandably around adding a co-star alongside Anthony Edwards. However, bolstering their bench is something that the Wolves can't ignore. Last offseason, the Wolves were in the mix for Bradley Beal after he was waived by the Phoenix Suns, and they should revisit the idea of adding Beal this summer.
Eventually, he signed with the Los Angeles Clippers. Unfortunately, though, a fractured hip limited Beal to just six games this season.
The Clippers are seemingly bracing for a rebuild after trading James Harden and Ivica Zubac. Clippers writer Iliyan Lakhani believes that Beal shouldn't return to the team as they kickstart a new era.
With a $5.6 million player option, Beal could feasibly hit the open market again with the hope of landing in a winning situation. Alternatively, as the Clippers embrace a youth movement, Beal could be a trade candidate.
Either way, the Wolves should revisit the possibility of bringing him to Minnesota.
Why Bradley Beal would fit nicely with the Timberwolves
Beal is set to turn 33 years old this summer, and he's far from the three-time All-Star he once was with the Washington Wizards. At this point, he might be best utilized in a sixth man role.
Still, Beal remains a quality three-level scorer and spot-up shooter. Furthermore, he can provide some extra ball handling and playmaking. The Wolves' backcourt could surely benefit from a player like Beal, who is comfortable playing on and off the ball.
Edwards was overtaxed as a perimeter creator this past season. At the same time, you also need players who are comfortable spotting up to maximize Ant's on-ball brilliance. As such, Beal's blend of shot creation and off-ball abilities makes him an ideal fit as a complementary guard next to Ant.
Beal was the scapegoat for the Suns' abysmal season two years ago. Truthfully, he was overpaid, and the trade proved to be a major mistake. Regardless, Beal is still averaging 17 points per game while netting 38 percent of his outside shots.
If you could get Beal to buy into a sixth man role, he could be one of the best bench players in the league. And given that Beal has never been part of a true contender, it's fair to expect he'd be interested in embracing this role on the Wolves.
Considering that Beal signed a deal worth $5.4 million annually last summer, it's reasonable to believe that the Wolves could sign him to a deal worth or just above the minimum should he decline his player option. As a trade target, the Wolves could feasibly land him for some minimal future assets (which the Clippers desperately need).
Beal wouldn't be an acceptable lone move for the Wolves. However, if the Wolves can pair him with a trade for a star, they could be positioned for an ideal offseason.
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