Timberwolves rumors: Anthony Bennett option to be exercised

Before the Minnesota Timberwolves acquired Anthony Bennett from the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Kevin Love trade, there were rumors suggesting that he’d be on his way out again and headed to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for Thaddeus Young.

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Of course, the Timberwolves and Sixers did eventually agree on a Thaddeus Young trade, though Anthony Bennett was not included in the deal. That was good news for fans in Minnesota who are likely hoping the former UNLV talent will morph into the player the Cleveland Cavaliers thought he’d become when they selected him with the No. 1 pick in the 2013 NBA Draft.

He’ll apparently have plenty of time to become that player in the land of lakes as it’s said to be a ‘lock’ that the Minnesota Timberwolves will exercise their team option on the big man for the 2015-16 season.

(1/2) #Twolves have $36.4M in guarantees for '15-16. But that doesn't include Rubio & Thad/Bud/Brew have options. Cap to be about $66.5M.
— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) August 25, 2014

(2/2) Does include Bennett's '15--'16 option - lock to be exercised. Decision on that before yr starts. Doesn't include cap holds. #twolves
— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) August 25, 2014

Set to make $5.8 million dollars for the 2015-16 season, there’s really little reason for the Minnesota Timberwolves not to exercise their contract option on Anthony Bennett. If he continues to struggle, they’ll be able to get out of his deal the following season as he has another team option in 2016-17 for $7.3 million dollars. In addition, Bennett has a qualifying offer in 2017-18 worth a hefty $9.5 million dollars.

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