[dbeal21Participant]

After getting Kris Dunn I am curious as to what the Timberwolves are going to do this offseason in order to get a god enough team to finally end the playoff drought.

Factoring in Dunn’s rookie contract the Wolves should be around 20 million under the salary cap which can go towards free agents or trades this offseason obviously.

Wolves Depth Chart

PG: Ricky Rubio / Kris Dunn / Tyus Jones
SG: Zach LaVine
SF: Andrew Wiggins / Shabazz Muhammed
PF: Gorgui Dieng / Nemanja Bjelica / Adriean Payne
C: Karl-Anthony Towns / Nikola Pekovic / Kevin Garnett

Glaring needs= 3 Point Shooting, Stretch-4, Veteran Leadership

Possible Free Agents

Pau Gasol
Harrison Barnes
Eric Gordon
Joakim Noah
Ryan Anderson
Arron Afflalo
Courtney Lee
Joe Johnson
Luol Deng
Terrence Jones
Jared Dudley
Marvin Williams
David Lee
Lance Stephenson

I’m curious what free agent(s) should the wolves go after that they would have a legit shot at? What kind of salary do you think those players would require with the new salary cap? Are there any possible trading partners for the wolves for Rubio/Pekovic that would make sense?

[SeattleSuperChronicsParticipant]

 Ryan Anderson would be interesting but some other team will throw a bunch of money at him and I don’t think thibs would want him. 

The only thing the Timberwolves need is time. 

[dbeal21Participant]

I know and agree with this but what I was more-so trying to get at was what they can do now to make this team a playoff team in the West for this upcoming season. Having the young exciting players they do I know its only a matter of time until this teams is one of the best in the NBA, but as a die hard wolves fan, lets make the damn playoffs sooner rather than later.

[dbeal21Participant]

I know and agree with this but what I was more-so trying to get at was what they can do now to make this team a playoff team in the West for this upcoming season. Having the young exciting players they do I know its only a matter of time until this teams is one of the best in the NBA, but as a die hard wolves fan, lets make the damn playoffs sooner rather than later.

[SeattleSuperChronicsParticipant]

 Ryan Anderson would be interesting but some other team will throw a bunch of money at him and I don’t think thibs would want him. 

The only thing the Timberwolves need is time. 

[BiggysmallsParticipant]

 Sign Jared Dudley and either trade Shabbaz for Taj Gibson if the Bulls go for that or sign Noah. 

Not sure if realistic but he’s what I’d love to see * – all assuming Garnett is not returning

Sign Dudley to a 3 year 30 mil deal

Trade Bazz to Chicago for Gibson

Trade Payne for Jodie Meeks

Sign Kirk Hinrich and Thomas Robinson for depth spots

Starters: Rubio-Lavine-Wiggins-Gibson-Towns

Bench: Dunn-Meeks-Dudley-Bjelicia-Dieng

Depth: Jones-Hinrich-Rudez-Robinson-Pek

 

Think thats a team that could win 45 games if moderately healthy. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[BiggysmallsParticipant]

 Sign Jared Dudley and either trade Shabbaz for Taj Gibson if the Bulls go for that or sign Noah. 

Not sure if realistic but he’s what I’d love to see * – all assuming Garnett is not returning

Sign Dudley to a 3 year 30 mil deal

Trade Bazz to Chicago for Gibson

Trade Payne for Jodie Meeks

Sign Kirk Hinrich and Thomas Robinson for depth spots

Starters: Rubio-Lavine-Wiggins-Gibson-Towns

Bench: Dunn-Meeks-Dudley-Bjelicia-Dieng

Depth: Jones-Hinrich-Rudez-Robinson-Pek

 

Think thats a team that could win 45 games if moderately healthy. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Chilbert arenasParticipant]

 Dudley and Afflalo make most sense and wouldn’t have to break the bank to get them opposed to some of the other guys listed. They also bring the 3 and D that team needs along with veteran leadership. And of course I really hope Noah ends up there. 

[ChewyParticipant]

 how intense a locker room would be with both Noah and KG? Plus Tibs as a coach. Good thing Dunn is a bulldog. That is a recipe to break some younger/ less professional players.

[ChewyParticipant]

 how intense a locker room would be with both Noah and KG? Plus Tibs as a coach. Good thing Dunn is a bulldog. That is a recipe to break some younger/ less professional players.

[Chilbert arenasParticipant]

 Dudley and Afflalo make most sense and wouldn’t have to break the bank to get them opposed to some of the other guys listed. They also bring the 3 and D that team needs along with veteran leadership. And of course I really hope Noah ends up there. 

[D7H7NParticipant]

The team doesn’t need a stretch 4, Thibbs certainly doesn’t want one for the way he has his teams play. GSW is also going big for the future so the smallball FoTM should phase out by the time Minnesota matures.

[D7H7NParticipant]

The team doesn’t need a stretch 4, Thibbs certainly doesn’t want one for the way he has his teams play. GSW is also going big for the future so the smallball FoTM should phase out by the time Minnesota matures.

[doubledribblerParticipant]

I don’t think this team needs anymore veteran leadership. If they can get some more then great, but it seems like a good group of guys. Rubio isn’t that old, but he has a lot of experience. As long as Garnett is there it is his locker room. Then of course Thibs is the head coach.

There are a lot of ways they can go, but with Thibs being the coach and president, that means they are going to try to amass as many wins as possible. Rebuilding is pretty much over barring some unforseen collapse. I think Horford would be a great fit, but he’s probably going to get more money than they should spend on one person. Noah is a good option, especially if healthy. I like the suggestions of Dudley, Afflalo, Marvin Williams, and Courtney Lee. All of those are fits. I think if they can add a couple of rotation guys (one wing and one big) at reasonable deals then that will be a win for the the offseason.

  

[doubledribblerParticipant]

I don’t think this team needs anymore veteran leadership. If they can get some more then great, but it seems like a good group of guys. Rubio isn’t that old, but he has a lot of experience. As long as Garnett is there it is his locker room. Then of course Thibs is the head coach.

There are a lot of ways they can go, but with Thibs being the coach and president, that means they are going to try to amass as many wins as possible. Rebuilding is pretty much over barring some unforseen collapse. I think Horford would be a great fit, but he’s probably going to get more money than they should spend on one person. Noah is a good option, especially if healthy. I like the suggestions of Dudley, Afflalo, Marvin Williams, and Courtney Lee. All of those are fits. I think if they can add a couple of rotation guys (one wing and one big) at reasonable deals then that will be a win for the the offseason.

  

[TarHeelRavenParticipant]

 No team in the NBA will boast the collection of young talent that the T-Wolves have amassed.  They have some really good young pieces they could trade for some very good veteran leadership.  I’ll be interested to see what moves they make during the offseason.  

[TarHeelRavenParticipant]

 No team in the NBA will boast the collection of young talent that the T-Wolves have amassed.  They have some really good young pieces they could trade for some very good veteran leadership.  I’ll be interested to see what moves they make during the offseason.  

[Numbers_CruncherParticipant]

What they need most is good veterans to fill out the bench. Jared Dudley is a perfect fit. I think Gerald Henderson would be a good fit as a backup who Thibs can throw in whenever he gets annoyed with LaVine. I’m not a fan of the Joakim Noah rumors. I personally prefer Dieng to him anyways, and have little doubt KG will come back to help lead the Wolves back to the playoffs! Also, as far as stretch 4’s go; Bjelica started to get comfortable at the end of the season and I think he will be given plenty opportunity. 

[Numbers_CruncherParticipant]

What they need most is good veterans to fill out the bench. Jared Dudley is a perfect fit. I think Gerald Henderson would be a good fit as a backup who Thibs can throw in whenever he gets annoyed with LaVine. I’m not a fan of the Joakim Noah rumors. I personally prefer Dieng to him anyways, and have little doubt KG will come back to help lead the Wolves back to the playoffs! Also, as far as stretch 4’s go; Bjelica started to get comfortable at the end of the season and I think he will be given plenty opportunity. 

[binetParticipant]

 I think Thibs will look at his former guys that are free agent Noah and Deng. Depending on their salary demands and on other interested teams, both could sign.

I think too many people is on Noah right now, so even if he is a leader and would probably help the young guys in the locker he would be way too expensive for his production, and trying to keep Garnett around would do just as good.

Deng as a stretch four is interesting, thibs is not very keen to play that type of offense but that could be something.

It’s also very possible he plays with a Dunn-Rubio backcourt often since LaVine is still a subpar defender.

 

 

 

 

 

[binetParticipant]

 I think Thibs will look at his former guys that are free agent Noah and Deng. Depending on their salary demands and on other interested teams, both could sign.

I think too many people is on Noah right now, so even if he is a leader and would probably help the young guys in the locker he would be way too expensive for his production, and trying to keep Garnett around would do just as good.

Deng as a stretch four is interesting, thibs is not very keen to play that type of offense but that could be something.

It’s also very possible he plays with a Dunn-Rubio backcourt often since LaVine is still a subpar defender.

 

 

 

 

 

[BiggysmallsParticipant]

 Garnett does not give what Noah can potentially give you at this stage and saying so is either denial by Wolves fans who hold sentimental feeling toward KG or hopeless optimism that a 40-year-old can be relied upon. 

KG is cooked. If he comes back, he can be counted on to play 12-15 mpg for half of a season. Then he’s done. He’s got no juice left in the tank. 

The team doesn’t need a ton beyond time and more experience. But a third big is definitley necessary and Noah – assuming the medicals are clear – would be the perfect fit because he’s a Thibs guy, he’s a grinder defensively, he doesn’t need the ball to be effective and he’s got that nasty that this team lacks. 

You can run a 4-man big rotation of Towns-Noah-Dieng-Bjelica. 

C – Towns 32 – Dieng 16

PF- Noah 24 – Dieng 8 – Bjelica 16 (or take a few minutes out and give to Wiggins in some sort of small ball lineup)

They need a third reliable big man, ideally one that can push Dieng to the "3rd big" role which I think he’d thrive in. They also need another wing player. I tend to think they’ll try to flip Muhammed in the offseason, in which case, you fill his spot with a cheap "3 and D" guy like a Brandon Rush and put sizable money into a legit wing like a Bazemore/Batum/Deng. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[BiggysmallsParticipant]

 Garnett does not give what Noah can potentially give you at this stage and saying so is either denial by Wolves fans who hold sentimental feeling toward KG or hopeless optimism that a 40-year-old can be relied upon. 

KG is cooked. If he comes back, he can be counted on to play 12-15 mpg for half of a season. Then he’s done. He’s got no juice left in the tank. 

The team doesn’t need a ton beyond time and more experience. But a third big is definitley necessary and Noah – assuming the medicals are clear – would be the perfect fit because he’s a Thibs guy, he’s a grinder defensively, he doesn’t need the ball to be effective and he’s got that nasty that this team lacks. 

You can run a 4-man big rotation of Towns-Noah-Dieng-Bjelica. 

C – Towns 32 – Dieng 16

PF- Noah 24 – Dieng 8 – Bjelica 16 (or take a few minutes out and give to Wiggins in some sort of small ball lineup)

They need a third reliable big man, ideally one that can push Dieng to the "3rd big" role which I think he’d thrive in. They also need another wing player. I tend to think they’ll try to flip Muhammed in the offseason, in which case, you fill his spot with a cheap "3 and D" guy like a Brandon Rush and put sizable money into a legit wing like a Bazemore/Batum/Deng. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[GlenTaylorSucksParticipant]

I hope the potential deal with Philly (Dunn for Noel as the framework) is still on the table. Id have taken that deal on the spot if I were GMming. 

[wonzi_bellsParticipant]

 That deal isn’t as great as people think it was at first glance. Noel is entering his last year on his rookie deal, so you’ll have to pay him in what is still a buyer’s market next off-season. Also, he’s can play as a power forward but is till best played as a center to maximize him. The problem is so is Dieng, Garnett, Pekovic and of course, the best player, Towns.

Covington is decent though. A three-and-D player who gives you a small ball four option. He can’t do much else though since he’s an awful ball-handler and finisher when forced to drive and can’t pass as well. Then Thibs isn’t trying to add more young talent with those tossed-in late first-round picks.

If it was Saric, Covington and those two late first-round picks, then I’d do it since Saric is probably coming next season and will be at the start of the rookie scale if he does so and gives you a playing-making four who can space the court while being young but mature enough as a 22 year-old established Euro player.

[wonzi_bellsParticipant]

 That deal isn’t as great as people think it was at first glance. Noel is entering his last year on his rookie deal, so you’ll have to pay him in what is still a buyer’s market next off-season. Also, he’s can play as a power forward but is till best played as a center to maximize him. The problem is so is Dieng, Garnett, Pekovic and of course, the best player, Towns.

Covington is decent though. A three-and-D player who gives you a small ball four option. He can’t do much else though since he’s an awful ball-handler and finisher when forced to drive and can’t pass as well. Then Thibs isn’t trying to add more young talent with those tossed-in late first-round picks.

If it was Saric, Covington and those two late first-round picks, then I’d do it since Saric is probably coming next season and will be at the start of the rookie scale if he does so and gives you a playing-making four who can space the court while being young but mature enough as a 22 year-old established Euro player.

[GlenTaylorSucksParticipant]

 I’d throw Dieng in. I’d rather overpay Noel, who is already a beast on defense, than overpay Dieng, who by counting stats is a really good player, but is actually just a top tier backup C. Plus, Noel is a full 4 years younger than Dieng. 

[GlenTaylorSucksParticipant]

 I’d throw Dieng in. I’d rather overpay Noel, who is already a beast on defense, than overpay Dieng, who by counting stats is a really good player, but is actually just a top tier backup C. Plus, Noel is a full 4 years younger than Dieng. 

[GlenTaylorSucksParticipant]

I hope the potential deal with Philly (Dunn for Noel as the framework) is still on the table. Id have taken that deal on the spot if I were GMming. 

[PurpleMonkeyDishwasherParticipant]

 Taj Gibson would be a nice addition to the Wolves.  The Wolves don’t need to  add any over priced veterans.  They need to maintain flexibility in case a young talented player becomes available in a trade.

 

[PurpleMonkeyDishwasherParticipant]

 Taj Gibson would be a nice addition to the Wolves.  The Wolves don’t need to  add any over priced veterans.  They need to maintain flexibility in case a young talented player becomes available in a trade.

 

[PurpleMonkeyDishwasherParticipant]

 Taj Gibson would be a nice addition to the Wolves.  The Wolves don’t need to  add any over priced veterans.  They need to maintain flexibility in case a young talented player becomes available in a trade.

 

[PurpleMonkeyDishwasherParticipant]

 Taj Gibson would be a nice addition to the Wolves.  The Wolves don’t need to  add any over priced veterans.  They need to maintain flexibility in case a young talented player becomes available in a trade.

 

[r377Participant]

They don’t need to do anything except play together and develop. They can aim for a 500 season, maybe make a 7th or 8th seed or realistically if don’t make playoffs, look to take a good 3 point shooter in next years draft if they select 10-14.

No need to spend money on a vet, who will be 2-3 years older when they actually need him to compete in the playoffs.

They can always keep an eye on Rashad Vaughn and Malc Brogodon to see what Milwaukee do with them….

[r377Participant]

They don’t need to do anything except play together and develop. They can aim for a 500 season, maybe make a 7th or 8th seed or realistically if don’t make playoffs, look to take a good 3 point shooter in next years draft if they select 10-14.

No need to spend money on a vet, who will be 2-3 years older when they actually need him to compete in the playoffs.

They can always keep an eye on Rashad Vaughn and Malc Brogodon to see what Milwaukee do with them….

[goddagParticipant]

I think one guy that could help them is Allen Anderson, who is from MN. He’s always been a great 3 point shooter and would come at a cheaper price. 

[goddagParticipant]

I think one guy that could help them is Allen Anderson, who is from MN. He’s always been a great 3 point shooter and would come at a cheaper price. 

[circumlocution75Participant]

 I like Dunn a lot – don;t get me wrong – I just felt like Minnesota desperately needed a guy who 

can hit the 3 & can make teams pay for collapsing into a paint-packing Zone defense to stifle the likes

of Lavine & Wiggins ——– I realize KAT can shoot from outside but that’s not ideally what you’d 

want him to focus on.

Dunn is excellent on Defense & he can score & dish but he is primarily a Penetrator 

which is redundant w/ Wiggins, KAT & Levine all Also looking to get to the Rim —— they won;t be difficult to defend w/ that line up  — lots of Zone defenses

 

 

 

 

 

[circumlocution75Participant]

 I like Dunn a lot – don;t get me wrong – I just felt like Minnesota desperately needed a guy who 

can hit the 3 & can make teams pay for collapsing into a paint-packing Zone defense to stifle the likes

of Lavine & Wiggins ——– I realize KAT can shoot from outside but that’s not ideally what you’d 

want him to focus on.

Dunn is excellent on Defense & he can score & dish but he is primarily a Penetrator 

which is redundant w/ Wiggins, KAT & Levine all Also looking to get to the Rim —— they won;t be difficult to defend w/ that line up  — lots of Zone defenses

 

 

 

 

 

[Andv1 WaitingParticipant]

 If the Rubio trade rumors are false you target the following:

This is all assuming that they will come and at a reasonable price/there is enough cap room

 This is my board of free agents I would target:

1)Al horford he and towns would be a good tandem and would be very interchangeable,Al is a good locker room guy and does whatever is asked of him on the court.I don’t know if he is likely though and if the t-wolves have enough cap to make this happen though…Max- to near max my guess asking price though.

2)Luol deng is the ideal stretch 4 if available as he can shoot the ball,plays solid defense and knows thibs system.Could be had for 8-14 million per year my guess??

3) Eric gordon(2-3 year deal) if he is willing to come off the bench and can remain healthy,he would be an good for 20-30 minutes a game while helping give your bench a lift on the scoring end and is also able to play pg/on the ball if necessary in small spurts. If Eric takes the short deal now he could maybe play himself into more $ later so my guess 6-12 mill per asking price per year

If missed on those free agents the only other free agent tires I may kick to see their interest are:

Joe johnson but it depends  on what role he wants-If he is comfortable coming off the bench or does he have to start and what Zachs defense allows thibs to play him as-a starter or a bench player with Dunn until his defense improves…

However if the rumors of Rubio being traded are true the board looks a little different and it depends what you trade him for..

My  guess is if you trade him you would have to target a slightly different batch of players(assuming you got no pg in the deal):

1) Mike Conley(assuming Dunn isn’t starting) he becomes the big target as he gives you shooting,scoring,defense  and you could argue he may actually be a  upgrade on rubio..Unless rubio has somehow upgraded all of his shooting/scoring %’s which is main flaw(not including injuries that is)..The only issue it would cost a max/near max to get him

2) Luol deng :assuming no centre/pf is brought in the rubio deal see above reasoning/price

3)Brandon jennings-on a 2-3 year deal he would be off the bench to help Dunn work through issues or Start while Dunn he learns the hard way to correct issues..I would guess you could maybe get him for 6-9 mil per due to the past achilles injury..

4) Eric gordon see above reasoning/price 

  

[Andv1 WaitingParticipant]

 If the Rubio trade rumors are false you target the following:

This is all assuming that they will come and at a reasonable price/there is enough cap room

 This is my board of free agents I would target:

1)Al horford he and towns would be a good tandem and would be very interchangeable,Al is a good locker room guy and does whatever is asked of him on the court.I don’t know if he is likely though and if the t-wolves have enough cap to make this happen though…Max- to near max my guess asking price though.

2)Luol deng is the ideal stretch 4 if available as he can shoot the ball,plays solid defense and knows thibs system.Could be had for 8-14 million per year my guess??

3) Eric gordon(2-3 year deal) if he is willing to come off the bench and can remain healthy,he would be an good for 20-30 minutes a game while helping give your bench a lift on the scoring end and is also able to play pg/on the ball if necessary in small spurts. If Eric takes the short deal now he could maybe play himself into more $ later so my guess 6-12 mill per asking price per year

If missed on those free agents the only other free agent tires I may kick to see their interest are:

Joe johnson but it depends  on what role he wants-If he is comfortable coming off the bench or does he have to start and what Zachs defense allows thibs to play him as-a starter or a bench player with Dunn until his defense improves…

However if the rumors of Rubio being traded are true the board looks a little different and it depends what you trade him for..

My  guess is if you trade him you would have to target a slightly different batch of players(assuming you got no pg in the deal):

1) Mike Conley(assuming Dunn isn’t starting) he becomes the big target as he gives you shooting,scoring,defense  and you could argue he may actually be a  upgrade on rubio..Unless rubio has somehow upgraded all of his shooting/scoring %’s which is main flaw(not including injuries that is)..The only issue it would cost a max/near max to get him

2) Luol deng :assuming no centre/pf is brought in the rubio deal see above reasoning/price

3)Brandon jennings-on a 2-3 year deal he would be off the bench to help Dunn work through issues or Start while Dunn he learns the hard way to correct issues..I would guess you could maybe get him for 6-9 mil per due to the past achilles injury..

4) Eric gordon see above reasoning/price 

  

[HitsterParticipant]

If we assume that KG isn’t going top play very much, if at all then an additional frontcourter is needed IMO. A lot of veteran FA’s will be looking to be on a contender so the T-Wolves may be a year or two away from that. If they could find a good FA who was 28-30 and could play around Dieng and KAT then that would be perfect or even better someone who has a title and wants a new challenge. The T-Wolves could pay that person well given the amount of guys on rookie contracts and the available cap space they have.

I’ll be interesting to see how Thibs uses Dunn alongside Lavine and Rubio. Either Rubio could be on the move or Thibs doesn’t fancy Lavine as a major ball carrier. Personally I’d have favoured them taking Murray to cover both backcourt positions or Hield to be a 6th man shooter or to help spread the floor. Dunn I cannot argue with them taking as that was his draft range.

Also I wonder if Thibs had known that Oladipo or Ibaka was on the block as either of them would have been a decent fit given their defensive ability.

[HitsterParticipant]

If we assume that KG isn’t going top play very much, if at all then an additional frontcourter is needed IMO. A lot of veteran FA’s will be looking to be on a contender so the T-Wolves may be a year or two away from that. If they could find a good FA who was 28-30 and could play around Dieng and KAT then that would be perfect or even better someone who has a title and wants a new challenge. The T-Wolves could pay that person well given the amount of guys on rookie contracts and the available cap space they have.

I’ll be interesting to see how Thibs uses Dunn alongside Lavine and Rubio. Either Rubio could be on the move or Thibs doesn’t fancy Lavine as a major ball carrier. Personally I’d have favoured them taking Murray to cover both backcourt positions or Hield to be a 6th man shooter or to help spread the floor. Dunn I cannot argue with them taking as that was his draft range.

Also I wonder if Thibs had known that Oladipo or Ibaka was on the block as either of them would have been a decent fit given their defensive ability.

[Author]

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