As reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Shabazz Muhammad is nearing a return to the Minnesota Timberwolves this season. While that deal is a good one for the Timberwolves in terms of filling their need at backup small forward, it could also be beneficial for the New Orleans Pelicans and their bid to bring back Dante Cunningham.
Cunningham was reportedly on the Timberwolves’ radar as they looked to add to their wing depth. However, as Scott Kushner of The Advocate points out, Muhammad staying in Minnesota takes away a potential landing spot for Cunningham and likely strengthens the Pelicans' chances of retaining his services.
Fills a potential landing spot for Dante Cunningham. Could help the #Pelicans. https://t.co/vmDcJDXoZ2
— Scott Kushner (@ScottDKushner) September 12, 2017
Cunningham, who declined his $3.1 million player option with the Pelicans to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, appeared in 66 games and averaged 6.6 points and 4.2 rebounds in 25 minutes per game.
The 30-year-old Cunningham is more of a power forward, but has shown the ability to defend either forward position. He also shot an impressive 39 percent from beyond the arc last season.
Even after the signings of Tony Allen and Perry Jones, the Pelicans are still in desperate need of players who can provide depth on the wing, especially ones who can shoot and space the floor.
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