4 Ideal Minnesota Timberwolves Prospect Fits in 2024 NBA Draft

Pages quickly turn from playoffs to the offseason in the NBA, and the Minnesota Timberwolves may be on the verge of the next chapter.

Before free agency tips off in July, the Wolves will be preparing for the 2024 NBA Draft, where they hold the No. 27 overall selection in the first round and another pick – 37^th – coming as trade compensation from the Memphis Grizzlies.

Without making assumptions about the value of the 27^th pick, peek back at a few players who entered the league in that very draft slot: Rudy Gobert (2013), Bogdan Bogdanovic (2014), Pascal Siakam (2016), Kyle Kuzma (2017).

The world is aware of three-time MVP Nikola Jokic being selected 41st and, in 2011, the Miami Heat drafted Jimmy Butler at No. 30.

The point? The Wolves can parlay the pair of picks in the late first and early second rounds into assets if they play their cards right, but the odds of hitting on both selections are extremely thin.

Among the variables that factor into Minnesota’s big-picture plan and offseason structure is its ownership situation, in which neither option has committed to keeping a payroll with more than $180 million committed next season for just over half of the 15-man roster.

Here are a few players who could fit into the Timberwolves’ draft plans.

Tyler Kolek – Eventual Minnesota Timberwolves starting PG?

Mike Conley credits his far younger teammates for reviving his youthfulness at age 37, but durability stands as a considerable concern. With more than $20 million on his contract through 2026, Conley isn’t overpriced, but insurance is vital.

Kolek is a masterful operator of the pick-and-roll, and thanks to a deeply talented pack of Timberwolves scorers, he wouldn’t be required to be anything more than a secondary scorer.

Related: Sounds Like the Timberwolves Plan to Offer Mike Conley a Lucrative Coaching Job

PG Jamal Shead, Houston

Shead is a solid 200 pounds and competes with every inch of his being at barely 6-foot-1. Shead and UConn’s Tristen Newton (6-4, 194) are role players who could contribute if given limited minutes behind Conley.

C Kyle Filipowski, Duke

He’s a 7-footer with range and a below-the-rim skillset that could be a mix-and-match option with or without Karl-Anthony Towns down the line.

Related: Chris Finch Claims NBA Refs Do Not Respect Timberwolves Enough

SF Justin Edwards, Kentucky

An athletic wing at 6-6, 210 pounds, drafting Edwards would be a play for potential. His ceiling and the development of current small forward Jaden McDaniels – signed through 2029 – make sense for a team that will need answers for defending the likes of Luka Doncic for years to come.

–Field Level Media NBA draft staff compiled this report

Related: Anthony Edwards Should Be Mic’d Up for Every Game