Minnesota Timberwolves: 5 bargain bin targets in 2019 NBA free agency

1. Ivica Zubac

Ivica Zubac is coming off his rookie contract, which saw him get $3 million over three years. He certainly wasn’t a standout talent in any of those years, but during the 2018-19 season, Zubac stepped up in a big way for the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers.

He averaged 9.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.9 blocks per game during the 26 games he played for the Clippers, of which he started 25. He averaged 20.2 minutes per game and shot 53.8 percent from the field.

As a great presence on the defensive end of the floor, a forward-center tandem of Dieng and Zubac would cause headaches for a lot of teams when they go into the post. His style of play fits nicely into the defensive identity that president of basketball operations Gersson Rosas wants to build too.

The Clippers could match any offer for their restricted free agent, but if they land one or two big-name free agents like Kawhi Leonard, Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving or Klay Thompson, they may have to pass on Zubac to save cash. If that happens, that should be when the Wolves jump into action.