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I realize that we may not have a lot to talk about, but I didn’t see a thread for this, and I was looking for a place to post some info.

As most of you know, adding players through free agency will be a struggle for MIN. They have two exceptions, the standard MidLevel Exception (MLE) at $9.5 mil, and since they didn’t use their BiAnnual Exception last year, they also could use the $3.7 BAE. The problem for the Wolves would be that they will already have to work hard to stay under the lux next year, particularly if they retain their pick. However, big salaries like Rubio and/or Beasley may be moved, so it’s likely Rosas may try to bargain shop some players in free agency.

The Timberwolves are have the majority of their players under contract for next year, and they only have three free agents. Ed Davis is unlikely to be brought back, and Vanderbilt and McLaughlin are both restricted free agents (we could match another team’s offer) with Bird rights (we would not need to use exceptions). I suspect neither will get big offers from other teams, and we will try to keep them both - particularly Vanderbilt. McLaughlin would be great here as a 2nd-3rd string PG, if Rubio is traded.

I hope I'm wrong, but outside of two-way deal on a UDFA, I don't see Minnesota signing a free agent other than bringing back Vando. They will have 14 players on the roster if they run it back and add Bolmaro and a resigned V8. They could also move Culver or Layman and potentially bring back more players than they send out. I don't see any free agent signings.

Yep, don't see any free agents coming here and our cap situation is a problem. I do think we will make some roster moves via trade. Depending on what happens at PF, I think Vando is worth resigning if we can get a small asking price (minimum range). I think we will likely run the same team back with maybe some fringe changes (guys like Layma, Culver, Vando, Okogie, Jmac) swapped out for other role guys who may fit better.

True, and Rosas stressed after the season that receiving a player in a sign-and-trade is a more likely avenue.

That said, it is extremely rare for any team to do nothing in free agency.

Maybe we ship Culver off for lesser salary and then stretch Layman or Juancho to open up some space under the lux?

The tipping point to me will actually be whether or not we own our pick this year.

I think with new owners and an influx of cash (300 million), Taylor will allow Rosas to go into the season over the tax with hopes that Rosas can cut salary at the deadline and Minnesota can avoid the repeater tax. I don't see any players stretched and waived unless the trade deadline is a dud.

If we make some space under the lux, I wonder if we could bring in Paul Millsap short term? I doubt cheap DEN is bringing him back with Aaron Gordon and Porter there, and I doubt he gets a big offer anywhere.

Millsap will turn 36, but he’s still a good low post defender, and better-than-average defender on the perimeter.

I also like the idea that he was the guy whispering in Jokic’s ear, getting him to finally play a little defense. He would have credibility as a four time All Star, and 1st team defense in 2015-16. I’d like him mentoring KAT, Vanderbilt and McDaniels.

shrink wrote:If we make some space under the lux, I wonder if we could bring in Paul Millsap short term? I doubt cheap DEN is bringing him back with Aaron Gordon and Porter there, and I doubt he gets a big offer anywhere.

Millsap will turn 36, but he’s still a good low post defender, and better-than-average defender on the perimeter.

I also like the idea that he was the guy whispering in Jokic’s ear, getting him to finally play a little defense. He would have credibility as a four time All Star, and 1st team defense in 2015-16. I’d like him mentoring KAT, Vanderbilt and McDaniels.

I wonder if he has ties with Finch as well, Finch was also there in Denver for a time. That would certainly help in luring him here as well.

shrink wrote:If we make some space under the lux, I wonder if we could bring in Paul Millsap short term? I doubt cheap DEN is bringing him back with Aaron Gordon and Porter there, and I doubt he gets a big offer anywhere.

Millsap will turn 36, but he’s still a good low post defender, and better-than-average defender on the perimeter.

I also like the idea that he was the guy whispering in Jokic’s ear, getting him to finally play a little defense. He would have credibility as a four time All Star, and 1st team defense in 2015-16. I’d like him mentoring KAT, Vanderbilt and McDaniels.

I like this as well. I think all we need is a 1-2 year stop gap at PF that can act as a bridge for McDaniels.

I actually don't mind Okogie as the starting SF. He looked really good in April, so hopefully that carries over to next year.

I don’t see Okogie going anywhere either. He will be a cheap bench piece and is the only player Marc Lore follows on instagram.

If the Wolves end up willing to spend the MLE the guys I'd be looking at are Paul Millsap, JaMychal Green, and Dan Theiss. In the $3-5M/year range I'd target Otto Porter, Avery Bradley, and Gorgui Dieng. A couple of sub $3M/year guys to consider are Frank Ntilikina and Zach Collins.

I do think there is a better chance than people think of spending real money on at least one free agent this off-season. This is the year Rosas has to succeed or his job could be in serious jeopardy.

Neeva wrote:I don’t see Okogie going anywhere either. He will be a cheap bench piece and is the only player Marc Lore follows on instagram.

In terms of Okogie, my only thought is that the bench can only really support one non-shooter. Okogie and V8 basically play the same energy/defense role off the bench, and I think this team will be better if we’re able to replace one of them with somebody who brings a different skill set this team needs (ie. shooting, toughness, etc.)

Which one stays and which one goes? Tough to say right now.

I don't have big expectations because a) we're not an attractive destinaton and b) Rosas painted himself into a corner when it comes to taking on salary.
A S/T of Beasley+ for John Collins would be ideal, but unlikely. If we end up giving our 2021 pick to the warriors, I think that frees us up to trade our 2022 pick come July. He's played his way into their long term plans, but do they balk at a max contract?
Does something like Beasley+Rubio+top 10 protected 2022 first for collins+dunn tempt them?
How do we feel about trading away another first round pick? Is that the cost to solving our PF problem?
If that ends up being a non-lottery pick, I think thats a decent deal because Collins is as close to an ideal fit as I think we will find.

We need a 4 who can provide defense, toughness, rebounding and bbiq.
You know who actually checks all those boxes? James Johnson.
He fits the system and played well here, even if it was only a 14 game sample size.
At 34, does he have enough left in the tank?

I found a perfect FA who can fit next to Towns. 21mil/3yrs


Trade Culver for 2nd round pick. Rubio to DET for Joseph (non guaranteed next season) and McGruder. Release Joseph. Re-sign Vando and McLaughlin.

KAT/Reid/Theis
Theis/Vando/Juancho
McDaniels/Okogie/Layman
Edwards/Beasley/Nowell + McGruder
DLo/McLaughlin/Bolmaro

I wanted Theis almost since he came into the league. Huge fan of his game and indeed a perfect fit next to KAT.

minimus wrote:I found a perfect FA who can fit next to Towns. 21mil/3yrs

Watch on YouTube

Trade Culver for 2nd round pick. Rubio to DET for Joseph (non guaranteed next season) and McGruder. Release Joseph. Re-sign Vando and McLaughlin.

KAT/Reid/Theis
Theis/Vando/Juancho
McDaniels/Okogie/Layman
Edwards/Beasley/Nowell + McGruder
DLo/McLaughlin/Bolmaro

IMO Theiss should be our top priority in free agency and he just might be gettable, especially if he understands that he'll get a ton of playing time, and on an up and coming playoff team.

Britt on Dane’s podcast likes Theis. Also mentions Zach Collins as a riskier, cheaper version of Miles Turner.

I don’t know enough about Collins. Thoughts?

shrink wrote:Britt on Dane’s podcast likes Theis. Also mentions Zach Collins as a riskier, cheaper version of Miles Turner.

I don’t know enough about Collins. Thoughts?

I believe Collins just had his third ankle operation in under a year and is out indefinitely (after playing 11 games in 2019-20 and zero games in 2020-21).

shrink wrote:Britt on Dane’s podcast likes Theis. Also mentions Zach Collins as a riskier, cheaper version of Miles Turner.

I don’t know enough about Collins. Thoughts?

Made of glass , no thanks.