The Minnesota Timberwolves still have two open roster spots and will likely utilize a veteran minimum contract to fill one or both of these slots. With Damian Lillard and Bradley Beal both off the market, the Wolves feel poised to prioritize depth rather than target someone who will play a bigger role.
10-year NBA veteran Delon Wright is the perfect target for the Wolves to round out their roster. Guard seems like the most logical position group to target, given the Wolves’ roster construction and the available free agents. Let’s dive into what Wright brings to the table and why he’d be a perfect target for the Wolves.
Wright is the perfect target for the Wolves
Wright is a long-time journeyman who has played for 10 teams in just as many years. For Wright’s career, he has averaged 6.7 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists with 44.7/34.8/79.9 shooting splits. This past season, with the New York Knicks and Milwaukee Bucks, Wright posted averages of 3.1 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.9 assists with 34.4/27.9/60 shooting splits.
The 6-foot-5 guard’s best traits are undoubtedly his defense and playmaking. This skill set and size would give the Wolves a different element from Rob Dillingham and Mike Conley. The Wolves have a loaded rotation, and it’s unlikely that Wright would play a sizable role. However, if injuries arise to Dillingham or Conley, Wright is capable of taking on some minutes.
With Naz Reid, Donte DiVincezno, Terrence Shannon Jr., and Dillingham all poised to play big roles off the bench, Minnesota simply doesn’t need another rotational player. Even second-year wing Jaylen Clark and rookie Joan Beringer could play some type of role with the team. As a result, the Wolves are likely to target a depth piece to round out their squad. Wright’s experience and skill set make him the perfect candidate. He often got DNPs with both the Knicks and Bucks, but proved capable of playing quality minutes if needed.
It’s likely that he would accept a role as a depth piece and veteran leader, especially on a title-contending team like the Wolves. Earlier in the offseason, the Wolves proved their affinity for this type of veteran when they re-signed Joe Ingles. With major moves happening recently, expect more free agency dominoes to fall into place and the Wolves to round out their roster. Ultimately, no reports are indicating the Wolves are interested in Wright, but don’t be surprised if they sign him, as his fit couldn’t be clearer.