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Minnesota Timberwolves: 3 players who are unlikely to return next season

By Corey Rausch

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - FEBRUARY 08: James Johnson #16 and Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves celebrate a three-point shot against the Los Angeles Clippers by teammate Juan Hernangomez #41 during the first half of the game at Target Center on February 8, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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 Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - FEBRUARY 08: James Johnson #16 and Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves celebrate a three-point shot against the Los Angeles Clippers by teammate Juan Hernangomez #41 during the first half of the game at Target Center on February 8, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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 Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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Minnesota Timberwolves (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Minnesota Timberwolves (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

James Johnson

Whether or not he picks up his player option for next season the Timberwolves will likely be looking to move on from James Johnson this summer. He brings a solid veteran presence to the locker room but at a price tag that is fitting of a borderline star and not a borderline bench player.

Like Hernangomez, Johnson put up impressive numbers (12.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocks per game) but is not the youthful prospect that the former is. Johnson will be 33 shortly after the season returns for the Timberwolves and has a player option for a whopping $16 million.

Currently slated as the third highest-paid player on the team next season Johnson just does not impact the team on that level. If he picks up that option (is there any doubt?) the team will likely look to dump his salary to make it more palatable to fit Malik Beasley’s new contract on their books. They may have to attach an asset to do that but that is what they have to do.

A veteran presence is needed on this team without a doubt. Beyond Johnson and Turner, the next oldest player on this roster is Jake Layman. But you can find a veteran for significantly cheaper than $16 million.

dark. Next. 25 best players to play for the Minnesota Timberwolves

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