Fansided

NBA Free Agency 2017: 5 offseason targets for the Minnesota Timberwolves

By Terence Scott

April 25, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard JJ Redick (4) reacts after scoring a basket against the Utah Jazz during the second half in game five of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
April 25, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard JJ Redick (4) reacts after scoring a basket against the Utah Jazz during the second half in game five of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 5
Next

With free agency right around the corner, let’s look at five offseason targets for the new revamped Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Minnesota Timberwolves were a young talented team last year but lacked leadership in crunch time. The draft day blockbuster trade for Jimmy Butler has already crowned Minnesota in a lot of peoples eyes as this year’s offseason winner.

With the addition of Butler, Minnesota now has a legit big three with Butler, Karl Anthony-Towns, and Andrew Wiggins. That new nucleus should be able to fight for a playoff spot in the deep Western Conference next season. Not to mention the Timbwerolves were able to keep a draft pick in the trade to the Bulls for Butler and turned that into the young big man out of Creighton in Josh Patton. His skill set should pair with KAT well.

The Timberwolves were inconsistent last, finishing the season at 31-51 and found themselves right back in the lottery where they have been far too many times. Their long distance shooting was horrible, Minnesota had trouble spreading the court as they shot 35 percent from behind the arc and on average only made seven 3s a game.

Another area of concern is at the forward position. The Timberwolves finished 29th in rebounding last season. Gourgi Dieng is a solid rotation player but doesn’t be surprise if they are looking for an upgrade at his position. Minnesota also ranked 24th in defensive rating last season, that is unheard of for a Tom Thibodeau coached team; expect changes to that.

The Timberwolves only have a little less than  $5 million in cap space but still look for them to be active in free agency. Minnesota is a team to be on the lookout for, with various needs in different areas, let’s take a look at some different players that the Timberwolves could acquire to take them over the hump into the playoffs.

5. Taj Gibson, PF, Oklahoma City Thunder

It is reunion time in Mineostota with Jimmy Butler recently acquired it only makes sense to bring in another one of Thibodeau former Bulls in big man Taj Gibson.

Taj Gibson isn’t the greatest upgrade but he will be a solid veteran addition to Minnesota. He can bring toughest to the young ball club with his intensity and hard screen setting. Last season, Taj played a spark role with the Chicago Bulls and the Oklahoma City Thunder coming off the bench, averaging 10.8 points and 6.2 rebounds per game. 

Gibson also would pair well with Karl Anthony-Towns. Gibson is a knock-down shooter from mid- and short-range and finishes well around the rim. According to Basketball Reference Gibson shot 45 percent from 3-10 feet and 67 percent at the rim.

Gibson is familiar with Thibs system and could mentor the younger players on how to play under a physically demanding coach like Thibodeau. He will hustle until the last whistle blows and he does all this without a complaint. Gibson prides himself on being a hard worker and it the type guy you want on your team. At age 32, expect his production to slide a little, but given he should be coming at a discounted price, it makes it worth it.

Home/Minnesota Timberwolves