The Minnesota Timberwolves are fresh off of a strong season that saw them make a fairly deep postseason run. This is a team on the rise with Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns leading the charge. But they can take the next step forward with a strong 2022 NBA Free Agency game plan.
With those stars leading the way, Minnesota just has a few loose ties to tie up on the roster. Let's take a look at 3 players the Timberwolves should sign this offseason.
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3 players Timberwolves must sign in 2022 NBA Free Agency
Minnesota has salary restrictions in the 2022 offseason, so they are not going to be a major player in the free agent market. But there are still players who could come at a cheap cost for the Timberwolves. And they have a couple of their own players they should try and keep on the roster.
Okay, maybe this is cheating since Russell isn't a free agent. However, the Timberwolves should attempt to extend D'Angelo Russell.
Yes, he was benched at times during the postseason and some felt as if Minnesota should move on. But Russell averaged 18 points and 7 assists this past season. Those are still extremely productive numbers for a third option on a team. He does an overall good job of limiting turnovers and orchestrating the offense as well.
Most of the rumors and headlines have revolved around a trade. And it wouldn't be shocking to see them deal him away. But if they could move money around and extend the point guard it would solidly their big three.
Again, it may be a long shot. But the Timberwolves should extend D'Angelo Russell.
2. Naz Reid
Minnesota doesn't have many big name free agents leaving their roster. But Naz Reid is an in-house option for Minnesota.
He played a vital role as the Timberwolves backup big man in 2021-2022 and Minnesota needs to re-sign him. No, he isn't a game-changing player by any means. But he is young and offers plenty of energy and hustle. Additionally, Reid can occasionally stretch the floor and has interior scoring potential.
Every NBA Finals team has loads of depth. Sure, people discuss teams' stars. But it's the role players who make the difference. The guys who hustle for every loose ball and do the dirty work under the basket are crucial to a winning environment.
Naz Reid isn't a star but is a key free agent this offseason. Minnesota would be foolish to let him go. They need to exercise their club option on Reid.
The Timberwolves have missed what Andrew Wiggins brought to the table since dealing him away. In their defense, he has improved drastically since joining the Warriors. Nonetheless, Victor Oladipo is a fairly similar player to Wiggins.
He possesses the ability to play a solid brand of defense. H also features plenty of offensive prowess. He has been injured over the past few seasons and played just 8 regular season games for the Miami Heat in 2021-2022. So Victor Oladipo should be a fairly cheap option on the free agent market. He may be looking for a one-year deal to reestablish himself in the league.
The Timberwolves should extend a one-year offer to Oladipo. He could end up being one of the most underrated signings of the offseason if he stays healthy next year.
The fit would be great for Victor Oladipo as well. He would get to play his first full season in the NBA in over four years as a fourth option on the team. His role would bring minimal pressure and he could take his time getting his feet back underneath him.
And playing for a contender surely will entice him as well.
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