Who’s next for the Timberwolves in free agency?

The Minnesota Timberwolves have added Jimmy Butler, Jeff Teague, Taj Gibson and Jamal Crawford in free agency already, but Tom Thibodeau says they aren’t done yet.

Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Tom Thibodeau has made it no secret that the Wolves are in the running for more free agent additions this offseason. With only 11 roster spots filled, Thibodeau desires to add two more wingers and a backup point guard before free agency is all set and done.

Thibodeau’s desire to add more is a good sign for a team that still struggles in the shooting department. In fact, they were the worst three-point shooting team in the league last season, so adding shooting on the bench is much-needed. Additionally, the Wolves need another point guard to go along with Jeff Teague and Tyus Jones.

With these needs in mind, I compiled a list of wingers and point guards on the market that could be signed by Minnesota. While the likes of Tony Allen, Rodney Stuckey or Thabo Sefolosha could be on their radar, they aren’t included since they aren’t great shooters, especially from three. Also, keep in mind that the Wolves only have the veteran minimum to offer given their limited cap space.

Wing Options

Ian Clark: Clark played off the bench for the Golden State Warriors last season. He averaged a career-high 14.8 minutes a game to go along with career-highs in points (6.8), rebounds (1.6) and three point percentage (.374). Considering he’s 26 and saw an uptick in production, Clark seems to be unlikely to sign a veteran minimum deal. Also, at 6-foot-3, Clark is strictly a shooting guard, giving the team limited flexibility.

Mike Dunleavy: The 15-year veteran is also unlikely to sign a veteran minimum deal, but would make for a solid veteran presence off the bench. While his best days are behind him, Dunleavy boasts four 40 percent three-point shooting seasons. He shot a respectable 39.6 percent last year. Lifetime, he’s a 37.7 percent three-point shooter. He has also played two seasons under Thibodeau with the Chicago Bulls, so maybe his old coach can convince him to join the club.

Luc Mbah a Moute: The veteran winger played an effective role off the bench for the Los Angeles Clippers last season. Playing 22.3 minutes per game, Mbah a Moute averaged 6.1 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.0 steals. Known as a defensive-minded player, Mbah a Moute produced a staggering 39.1 percent three-point shot, far above his career three-point percentage of 32.4. Even if last season’s three-point success was a fluke, he gives the team a great defender that has the ability to guard multiple positions.

Arron Afflalo: A career 38.6 percent three-point shooter, Afflalo is another player that could help Minnesota’s three-point shooting. The knock on Afflalo is that injuries have slowed him down on the defensive end. Even so, Afflalo played 25.9 minutes per game last season and shot 41.1 percent from three. He also started 45 of 61 games with the Sacramento Kings. Based on those numbers, he should still have some left in the tank as a three-point specialist.

Luke Babbitt: Babbit represents a poor-mans Kyle Korver. Limited on the defensive end, Babbit’s three-point shooting has kept his NBA career alive. In fact, the 6-foot-9 forward shoots 40.6 percent from beyond the arc, including 41.1 percent in 2016-17. His ability to shoot the three should interest the Wolves to pursue him with the veteran minimum.

Gerald Green: Green is a former Wolves player after being traded to Minnesota as part of a package that sent Kevin Garnett to the Boston Celtics. Green only played 29 games with the team though. Since then, the 31-year old has played for seven teams, primarily as a bench player. Green is capable of shooting the three with a career percentage of 36.1 percent. Yet, his production has noticeably declined over the last few years.

Anthony Morrow: Morrow is an interesting player given that he has a career 41.7 percent three-point shot. Yet, he has spent limited time on the court in the last two seasons. Nevertheless, he could help the Wolves in the three-point department and will likely sign a veteran minimum deal.

Leonardo Barbosa: The 14-year shooting guard was let go by the Phoenix Suns this offseason. Although he is 34 years old, he can still bring solid shooting off the bench. For his career, Barbosa shoots at a 45.9 percent clip, including 38.7 percent from three. Additionally, he has the ability to play point guard.

Jason Terry: Even at 39 years old, Terry still shoots effectively from three. Last season, the veteran shot 42.7 percent from three, which is the second highest three-point shooting percentage of his career. He is not the athlete or defender he once was, but he can spread out defenses as a three-point shooter off the bench.

Point Guard Options

Aaron Brooks: Out of all point guard options, I favor Brooks. Ever since his third year in the NBA, Brooks has largely played as a backup point guard. Yet, arguably his best season as a backup came under Thibodeau during the 2014-15 season with the Chicago Bulls. Then, he averaged 11.6 points, 3.2 assists, and 2.0 rebounds in 23 minutes. He also is a solid three-point shooter for a point guard, shooting 37 percent from the three-point stripe in his career.

Ty Lawson: The former Denver Nuggets star has seen his career go down hill, but can still be a solid backup point guard for Minnesota. In 25.1 minutes a game with the Sacramento Kings last season, Lawson averaged a respectable 9.9 points and 4.8 assists. Lawson has shot an efficient 46 percent in his career and is also notable at driving the ball to the basket.

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Ramon Sessions: Sessions is a fine backup at point guard, but a lesser shooter compared to Brooks and Lawson. For that reason, I’d assume Thibodeau looks at Sessions as a last resort.

Prediction

In my opinion, the Wolves should sign Mbah a Moute, Terry and Brooks. Mbah a Moute would give the team another strong defender. Plus, someone that could build off of his career-high three-point percentage last season. Terry would give the Wolves a savvy veteran that can shoot the three, while Brooks would reunite with Thibodeau as a backup point guard.

Nevertheless, Minnesota should attract a couple solid veterans to sign minimum contracts considering Thibodeau has built the roster to become a strong playoff contender next season.

Next: Jamal Crawford is a huge addition for the Wolves!

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