Minnesota Timberwolves: Grading their moves in NBA free agency

Minnesota Timberwolves free agency move No. 3: Patrick Beverley

After the Timberwolves traded Ricky Rubio they needed a defensive veteran presence. They traded Jarrett Culver and Juan Hernangomez to get Patrick Beverley, a defensive-minded veteran. He actually solved another issue that the Timberwolves created for themselves.

Hernangomez was furious at the team for not allowing him to represent Spain at the Olympics thanks to an injury he suffered throughout the season. They were concerned would keep him out for part of next season. Now they have traded him there is no concern that he will interrupt team chemistry.

Beverley has been a presence in the league for a long time now, playing alongside some of the best in the league. He has made playoffs seven times in his nine seasons, playing alongside James Harden with the Houston Rockets as well as Kawhi Leonard and Paul George with the LA Clippers.

While he is never going to take control of games offensively, Beverley will bring a hard-nosed edge to the Timberwolves that they have been missing in previous years. They are going to need something different from previous seasons in order to move out of the bottom of the Western Conference standings.

Grade: A-