Timberwolves waste no time, re-sign beloved veteran before free agency even begins

Los Angeles Lakers v Minnesota Timberwolves - Game Four
Los Angeles Lakers v Minnesota Timberwolves - Game Four | David Berding/GettyImages

The Minnesota Timberwolves surprisingly brought back veteran forward Joe Ingles on a one-year $3.6 million contract just hours before the start of free agency. Heading into free agency, it was widely believed that Ingles wouldn’t return. At 37 years old, retirement certainly seemed to be in play for Ingles, especially since he didn’t play much this past season. Notably, Ingles averaged just 6 minutes, 0.8 points, 0.6 rebounds, and 1.2 assists on 26.1 percent shooting from the field across 19 games this past season. Regardless, as a veteran presence to round out the roster, bringing back Ingles isn’t a bad move. 

Ingles now enters his 12th season in the NBA and second with the Wolves. He previously played eight seasons with the Utah Jazz, one season with the Milwaukee Bucks, and one season with the Orlando Magic. 

The impact of re-signing Ingles

Even after re-signing Ingles, the Wolves have two open roster spots. While Ingles won’t contribute much on the court, his presence as a trusted veteran will be beneficial to the Wolves. Having someone who will graciously accept not playing a ton and help the young players learn the ropes is ideal for the Wolves. 

Ingles has a known connection with Rudy Gobert and Mike Conley dating back to their Utah days. Additionally, the Wolves just drafted fellow Australian Rocco Ziakarsky in the second-round. Ingles is well-regarded as an amazing teammate, so keeping him around regardless of his on-court impact makes some sense.  

On the court, the Wolves occasionally used Ingles as an inbound passer late in games, including on a play that led to a Julius Randle game-winner against the Phoenix Suns. Ingles’ knack for passing and high-IQ play gives him a way to make an impact despite having a limited on-court role. 

The Wolves still have access to the $5.7 million taxpayer mid-level exception. ​​With that in mind, the Wolves could still sign a free agent to the MLE. However, it would put them into the second-apron making it unlikely that the Wolves will sign any free agent to any but a minimum deal.

Moreover, this makes re-signing Nickeil Alexander-Walker, which already seemed like a long shot, even less plausible after this move. Ultimately, by re-signing Ingles, the Wolves are favoring continuity and are likely to bring back a similar roster with the exception of NAW. Not making any significant moves isn’t a bad thing for a team that just made two straight Western Conference Finals.