Jared Dudley is the missing piece the Minnesota Timberwolves need

The Minnesota Timberwolves may not be done adding to their roster with rumors surfacing they are interested in Phoenix Suns winger Jared Dudley. He just so happens to be the perfect fit.

The Minnesota Timberwolves are reportedly interested in adding another piece to the puzzle. According to KSTP reporter Darren Wolfson, they are looking at trading for versatile winger Jared Dudley from the Phoenix Suns.

While the Timberwolves have an intriguing roster with plenty of new faces, one more wouldn’t hurt. This is especially the case when it comes to Dudley.

In his 10-year career, Dudley has been a key cog off the bench with limited time as a starter. Although he has modest averages of 8.3 points per game, 3.4 rebounds and 1.6 assists, he averages close to a steal a game and shoots 39.7 percent from three. That, Wolves fans, should be music to our ears.

After finishing the 2016-17 season last in 3-point field goals, they have done next to nothing to fix the problem over the offseason. Of course, the additions of Taj Gibson, Jeff Teague, Jamal Crawford and Jimmy Butler are great for the Wolves, but none are great 3-point shooters. Granted, they tried addressing the issue with C.J. Miles, but they didn’t have the cap space to make it work.

In a Dudley-to-Minnesota scenario, the Wolves would have to make the cap work too. But, as Wolfson’s tweet suggests, Cole Aldrich and a second round pick should do the trick. In doing so, they get someone who instantly makes the Wolves better from 3-point land.

If we’ve learned anything over the last three seasons, it’s that 3-point shooting is a necessity. When playing a team like the Golden State Warriors, you have no choice but to succeed shooting the three. Otherwise, you’re likely to fall behind quickly, especially come playoff time.

Don’t get me wrong, Butler and Karl-Anthony Towns are capable 3-point shooters and Andrew Wiggins improved from 30 percent to 35.6 percent last season. Yet, Dudley is the 3-point specialist they need, while providing big minutes off the bench.

As matter of fact, let’s take a look at a depth chart with Dudley on the bench:

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PG: Jeff Teague/Tyus Jones/Aaron Brooks

SG: Jimmy Butler/Jamal Crawford

SF: Andrew Wiggins/Shabazz Muhammad/Jared Dudley

PF: Taj Gibson/Nemanja Bjelica

C: Karl-Anthony Towns/Gorgui Dieng/Justin Patton

(Two more spots to be confirmed soon.)

As you can see, Dudley is listed third at small forward in my proposed depth chart, but there’s plenty of ways to keep him involved. In particular, he can play shooting guard, but also play power forward in a small ball situation. Even so, this Wolves roster is versatile as is, so someone like Muhammad could make the transition to power forward to accommodate Dudley.

Regardless, coach Tom Thibodeau would find ways to get a 3-point threat on the court. How could he not given the lack of weapons from long-range? Easy answer, he couldn’t.

Next: Vikings Week 6 preview against the Packers!

First things first though, the Wolves have to convince the Suns to let go of the veteran with a worth while trade offer. In the meantime, let’s hope a deal falls in place sooner than later because he’s just what Minnesota needs on the roster!