The Minnesota Timberwolves already crossed one item off their NBA trade deadline shopping list by adding Monte Morris. But now Tim Connelly seems to be turning his attention to the other item on the checklist: finding a shooter to provide a scoring punch off the bench.
We’ve heard several names linked to the Wolves via trade, and once today’s deadline passes, the buyout market becomes one to watch next. But who’s at the top of the list?
Doogie Wolfson Says Minnesota Timberwolves Want Doug McDermott Most
Unless the San Antonio Spurs can find a trade partner willing to take on the remainder of Doug McDermott’s $13.7 million salary this season, the sharpshooter is expected to be bought out of his contract. This would allow the 32-year-old to pursue a chance to play for a contender elsewhere, and who better than the Minnesota Timberwolves for the Grand Forks, North Dakota native?
In fact, local Minnesota sports insider Darren ‘Doogie’ Wolfson says Dougie McBuckets is the Timberwolves’ top buyout candidate right now.
Adding McDermott via the buyout route makes a lot of sense for a Timberwolves team that just cleared an extra roster spot with the Morris trade. That spot could end up going to someone like Luka Garza or Lance Stephenson (who’s crushing it for the Iowa Wolves), but the Wolves actually have two open roster spots, which means someone like McDermott could join too.
If so, McDermott would be a wonderful fit in Chris Finch’s rotation. The former first-round pick is a career 41.2% shooter from 3-point range, and he’s averaged north of 10 PPG in four different seasons. McDermott moves well without the ball, improving the spacing of the Wolves’ backup unit, while adding an excellent shooter from the perimeter.
While McDermott would be an ideal target, first the Timberwolves have to make sure he’s not dealt to a contender ahead of today’s 2 p.m. CT trade deadline. If McDermott sticks with the Spurs, don’t be surprised if he’s bought out next, where a host of teams are likely to pursue the deadeye shooter.
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