3 players the Minnesota Timberwolves should sign with the mid-level exception
The Minnesota Timberwolves can’t offer a lot of money this offseason, but what they can give is the mid-level exception (approximately $10.2 million). Who are three players they can bring in this summer?
(The Timberwolves don’t have a roster spot after signing Taurean Prince, but expect the front office to create space)
1. Kyle Anderson, SF/PF
Would Kyle Anderson come to Minnesota on an MLE? Maybe, but it’s not a definitive no. If the Timberwolves were able to land him, they’d be getting a fantastic defensive small/power forward who could start or come off the bench.
Anderson will be 29 by the time the 2022-23 season starts, and he’s always been a bit of a role player. We saw his value for the Grizzlies in the series against the Timberwolves, and it would be a lot nicer if he was doing those things for Minnesota next season.
His nickname is “Slo Mo,” which he gets for playing a very slow style of basketball. The only concern about his game is his inability to shoot from 3. He shot 33.0 percent from deep on 1.6 attempts, which doesn’t benefit Karl-Anthony Towns.
Last season Anderson averaged 7.6 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game.
Other than his shooting woes, he’d probably be the best player the Timberwolves could land on the MLE. The question is, would he do it?
2. Chris Boucher, PF
Chris Boucher is such an interesting player and someone that could exceed his value on an MLE. He hasn’t been given much of an opportunity with the Toronto Raptors, and the Timberwolves are a team that can give him that.
Minnesota needs frontcourt help, and he’d be a perfect player to throw in the mix. Boucher made his debut as a 25-year-old and has played five seasons. Unfortunately, he’s only started in 23 of the 231 games he’s played in.
However, he flourished when he’s been given the opportunity to start.
- Starter: 23 G, 29.1 MPG, 15.5 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 1.3 APG, 49.2 FG%, 34.3 3P%, 84.8 FT%
- Reserve: 208 G, 16.6 MPG, 8.3 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 0.4 APG, 48.1 FG%, 33.4 3P%, 77.4 FT%
His stats are going to look better with more minutes played, but it’s nice to know that he can capitalize when given the opportunity.
Boucher can become one of the Timberwolves’ better defenders, while also being a sneaky weapon this season. He has the potential and ability to take over games.
3. Delon Wright, PG
Statistically speaking, Delon Wright is not worth the mid-level exception. But stats don’t tell the full story.
Last season he averaged 4.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.2 steals per game. He also shot 45.4 percent from the field, 37.9 from 3 and 85.7 from the line.
Wright only played 18.9 minutes per game and would have a greater impact if he played more minutes. For someone who’s 6-foot-5 and 185 pounds, he does a nice job of grabbing rebounds and defending other guards.
The former Utah Ute does everything you want out of a player. He can make the open basket, get others involved, plays good defense, hustles and does a lot of the dirty work.
More than likely he’d be the backup point guard, which isn’t ideal for the Timberwolves who already have D’Angelo Russell, Patrick Beverley and Jordan McLaughlin on the roster.
But what if DLo is moved for a power forward or front-court help? Then Beverley could be the starting point guard, with Wright being the backup.
It’ll be interesting to see what the Timberwolves do with the mid-level exception. Let us know in the comment section below who Minnesota should sign with the MLE.