Minnesota Timberwolves: 5 potential free agency targets in 2018
By Luke Askew
The Minnesota Timberwolves are entering one of their most important free agency periods to date. Here are five potential options for them to target this summer.
The Minnesota Timberwolves are not in a good place financially entering the 2018 NBA free agency period.
Andrew Wiggins is set to make $25.3 million next season (don’t get me started on why the Wolves are paying a player that much money for the production he brings) and the quartet of Jimmy Butler, Jeff Teague, Gorgui Dieng and Taj Gibson are set to make a combined $66.9 million (roughly) next season as well.
To put it simply, the Wolves don’t have a whole lot of freedom this summer.
The only way they can sign free agents is via the $8.6 million Non-Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception, or by signing them to veteran minimum contracts. However, while this isn’t great news for Minnesota fans, it may not be as bad as it seems.
The Timberolves will have to shop in the bargain bin, but that doesn’t mean they can’t add value, especially for a team that lacked any sort of bench production last season. If the Wolves want to make the playoffs again (and maybe even win a series or two), they’ll have to add some cheap, veteran pieces who can contribute in limited roles.
Here are five potential options for them to target this summer.