Minnesota Timberwolves: Buy or sell with 2019 free agents

DALLAS, TX - OCTOBER 20: Tyus Jones #1 of the Minnesota Timberwolves at American Airlines Center on October 20, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

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Luol Deng

One problem with bringing new players to a team during free agency, especially if you want them to take a diminished role, is trying to make sure that they are happy with their spot on the team. There’s no such concerns there for Luol Deng.

Deng seems content with his role as the backup to Andrew Wiggin, and when you hear analysts talking about “role players,” Deng fits the bill quite nicely. He’s averaged 7.1 points, 0.4 blocks and 3.3 rebounds per game while shooting 50 percent from the field and 31.8 percent from 3.

That was all while playing just 17.8 minutes a game. The contributions have led to Deng earning a 14.63 player efficiency rating for the 2018-19 season.

There are a few forwards in the free agency pool who may fit just as well, if not a little better, with the team, such as Sam Dekker and Rudy Gay; but the concerns that they might be unhappy with their role should be enough to persuade the Timberwolves to put the pen to paper and offer Deng another contract this summer.

Verdict: Buy

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