The Minnesota Timberwolves were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Memphis Grizzlies. It was still a successful season for the Timberwolves, as they made it to the playoffs for the first time since the 2017-18 season.
Minnesota's young star Anthony Edwards had a breakout campaign, helping the Timberwolves compete against Memphis in the first round. Edwards averaged 25.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and three assists in his first playoff appearance.
Star center Karl Anthony Towns was inconsistent in the postseason, which led to multiple big leads blown. Towns averaged 21.8 points and 10.8 rebounds. He shot 48.8 percent from the field and 45.5 percent from downtown. While Towns' numbers look solid, he came up short in Game 3. He finished with eight points, only taking four shots in the game.
Minnesota held two big leads in the game, but Memphis rallied back and won.
Changes need to be made for the Timberwolves to bounce back next season. D'Angelo Russell has been in trade rumors, but there are moves around the edges they can make to improve.
With that said, here are three early targets for the Timberwolves in 2022 NBA Free Agency.
Timberwolves Free Agency Targets
Miami Heat guard Victor Oladipo is set to be a free agent, and he has played well in the playoffs. Oladipo was out of the rotation even after returning from injury but has found his spot again in the postseason.
He is averaging 13.3 points, five rebounds, and 2.5 assists in the playoffs. Oladipo is also a solid defender, which has been shown through his defense on James Harden at times in the series.
He could slot into the starting lineup or be a solid 6th man for the Timberwolves. While Oladipo isn't a star anymore, he would be a great role player off the bench.
Mitchell Robinson is a solid young center that would be a great backup center for Towns. Robinson is a solid rim protector and rebounder, which complements Towns' game well.
Robinson averaged 8.5 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game. He shot a very efficient 76.1 percent from the field.
Robinson could grow with the rest of the young core, as he is only 24 years old. He would be an excellent target for the Timberwolves and create a dynamic center combo.
Miles Bridges is one of the premier free agents in the NBA and could be a great addition to the Timberwolves. Bridges averaged 20.2 points and seven rebounds this season, providing two-way play.
His athleticism and explosiveness would make him a great fit alongside Edwards and Towns. Signing Bridges would require Minnesota to free up some cap space.
Trading away Russell would create cap room for them, which they have been discussing. While there will be many suitors for Bridges, Minnesota would offer him the chance to have a big role.
The Timberwolves have many decisions to make this offseason following their first-round playoff exit. Although it ended in a disappointing way, Minnesota can take some positives away from this season. They weren't expected to make it to the playoffs and had Edwards emerge as a young star.
While the celebration after the play-in win was excessive, Minnesota should be happy about their season.
Having a great free agency would be beneficial to building upon their core. The Timberwolves have two great pieces with Edwards and Towns and just need to construct their roster around them.
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