The NBA playoffs are still several weeks from being concluded and with each conference final going to 2-2 after last night's win by the Rockets (THANK YOU!) the rest of the way may actually be interesting. But the Timberwolves have been done for quite a while already so I thought it was about time to give my cents on what they could, should or might be wise to do in another pivotal off season.
Much to my chagrin, and that of many other fans of the Wolves, the coach is almost assuredly not going to be replaced. The team made the playoffs and he has a pretty massive contract, which can't be overlooked with regards to MN ownership. So like it or not, the guy will spend another year screaming from the bench on nearly every offensive and defensive possession. It worked for him in Chicago and based on the fact that the team made the playoffs this year, some may say that it worked for him here.
Respectfully, I disagree.
The best player on the team seems to be on the coaches side of the brewing power struggle. That matters...a lot. I think he's so key to keeping the team playoff relevant that he should get the Lebron treatment (he should be consulted on every move that the team makes over the next few months). But that's free agency, first comes the draft.
It will be another key draft for the team. Ideally they will find their way to a Kyle Kuzma or Draymond Green type player that is available late but can make an impact on the court. To that end I'd love to see the Timberwolves buy as many second round picks as teams are willing to sell. If you buy enough lottery tickets you're bound to win something right?! Okay, maybe not but the more chances that the team gives itself the better!
As far as actual players go, Jevon Carter is the one that I want them to end the night having the rights to but they need a lot more than one reserve point guard, even if he ends up being a point guard version of PJ Tucker, which is exactly what I think his ceiling is.
Every guy that they add needs to either be an elite defensive prospect or a knock down level three point shooter. In a draft that I think could be the best since 2003, it's possible that a "3 & D" guy falls to the Timberwolves at 20. I'm not ready to marry myself to any of the names of guys who are projected as available at the point in the draft but do have a long standing belief that the best player from the NCAA championship game can make it in the NBA. Mario Chalmers and Tyus Jones being two shining examples. So with that in mind, if they tabbed Dante DiVincenzo in the draft I wouldn't be upset about it. Maybe they could even swing a trade down to get more capital or a player already in the association while still getting the Nova. Whoever they go with, they need to get it right in the draft to help set up the remainder of the offseason!
But what should happen in the days and weeks after the draft?
The top priority should be getting an extension done with Butler. If the fact that he's the best player on the team isn't enough, the fact that they gave up three young rotation level guys should put it over the top.
Beyond that, Towns is coming up on his first big money deal. As the first all star that the team has drafted since Garnett, the obvious choice is to sign him to the super max and try to deal with the salary cap implications afterward. That's the obvious choice and probably the right choice but with rumors swirling that there maybe a schism between the third year star and the organization, an extension may not be the only choice. In the event that contract talks reach an impasse and considering that he's still just an offensive player, I don't think a trade should be off the table. It should not be quickly considered or done rashly but say the Timberwolves were offered two top five picks this year plus more picks and players. Unlike the KG trade, that could actually work out better for the team in the long run. All options to take the team from good, even very good, to great MUST be considered.
But it's a long shot. I'd put the odds of KAT being traded around 1% though it could increase depending on the atmosphere within the offices. Enough theorizing though, time to look at some realistic free agent possibilities to improve the team!
If the team shot for the moon and really wanted to go over & above the luxury tax they would get JJ Redick. He was reportedly on their radar a year ago but he opted for the lottery that Philly offered, and who could blame him for that. The likelihood is low, like center of the earth low and the Wolves will probably get burned in similar fashion to the core if they pursue him but he represents the high watermark.
A step or two down, at least in terms of his offensive game, would be a guy that the Timberwolves had but didn't keep - Luc Richard Mbah a Moute. Do I wish that Dieng already filled the role that LRMaM does and would? Yes. 1000x YES, but he doesn't. If he's willing to leave Houston then all the better because he's one of their best defenders and I'm always in favor of improvement at the expense of other teams in the conference! I'd say he's another unlikely addition but stranger things have happened.
A third guy who I think could do some good for the Wolves is Wilson Chandler. He may not be ready to take a decreased role, which is what he would have in MN, but as an offensive player off the bench I wouldn't mind them kicking the tires on Chandler.
Fourth and finally, some Texas spice could do nice-ly on the roster. As a fringe starter with experience in the NBA's best organization I would be thrilled if the Timberwolves made an effort to acquire the services of Danny Green! More than anyone else on the list that I'm going off of, Green would be the type of guy that the team wants and needs. It seems strange to say but winning a bidding war may be necessary to bring him to first avenue. If that's what it takes, they need to make it happen!
I'm sure there are other players worth considering and other moves that could be made but as far as I'm concerned these are all things that should be examined for there merits! An unfortunate truth is that the teams future once again seems to be balancing on the blade of a knife. If the right moves aren't made it could all come crashing down as quickly as it was built up. No, not in 14 years but seemingly overnight. Gone is the promise of young stars growing together. It's all about now, which is exciting but also leaves me feeling uneasy.