Report: Minnesota Timberwolves Trying to Re-Sign Multiple Key Free Agents

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NBA: Playoffs-Minnesota Timberwolves at Denver Nuggets
Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

The 2024 NBA Draft is just one day away and the Minnesota Timberwolves are gearing up to make selections at pick 27 (Rd 1) and 37 (Rd 2), though rumors are swirling around potential draft day trades that could be on the horizon too.

Meanwhile, the Timberwolves front office is also facing decisions on several key unrestricted free agents for next season, including Kyle Anderson, Monte Morris, Jordan McLaughlin and TJ Warren; along with restricted free agents Luka Garza and Daishen Nix.

Minnesota Timberwolves interested in Re-Signing Kyle Anderson and Monte Morris

After a heartbreaking finish to last season, losing to the Dallas Mavericks in five games during the Western Conference Finals, it looks like the Minnesota Timberwolves are determined to keep, not just their core roster together, but much of their depth pieces too.

Insider Darren Wolfson shared on his latest SKOR North scoop session with Mackey & Judd that the Timberwolves are going to try and bring back multiple free agents, starting with backup point guard Monte Morris and do-it-all (except for outside shooting) glue guy, Kyle Anderson. Both role players would likely have to accept significant pay cuts, in order to return.

“There is optimism that Monte Morris will be back on a veteran minimum contract. I don’t know if two years ago you would have foresaw Monte Morris signing a veteran minimum deal in the summer of 2024, but that is something to keep an eye on.

There is genuine interest, on both sides, in a reunion with Kyle Anderson. I get it, the Wolves are not paying Kyle Anderson the same salary he made last year. He does like it here. He noted, in his postseason media availability, how he has a son who’s autistic. Him and his wife really love the schooling that his son gets here. Right, so that has to be a factor — a family factor. He loves Chris Finch [too].

“Now, Kyle plays multiple positions, but is he really a four? Maybe he views himself more as a three. So… maybe, he would talk to Chris about maybe using him slightly differently next year. But there is genuine interest in a reunion with Kyle Anderson.”

Darren Wolfson – SKOR North

Should the Minnesota Timberwolves return Monte Morris?

Monte Morris, traded to the Timberwolves at last season’s deadline, would have the chance to be one of the more underrated re-signings in the NBA this offseason, especially at a minimum salary, given how desperately the Wolves need help at point guard.

In his 27 games with the Timberwolves, Morris averaged 15.1 minutes, contributing 5.1 points and 2.3 assists per game. On the surface, those numbers won’t convince anyone that he’s sitting on a big year. But remember, Connelly brought Morris in at the trade deadline because he was a cheap buy-low addition, given the upside he brings.

Monte is just 29-years-old and, prior to injury wiping out half of his 2023-24 season, was one of the better bench ball-handlers in the NBA. In five seasons between 2018 and 2023, Morris averaged 10.5 points, 2.4 rebounds and 4 assists, in 25.8 minutes per game, shooting 39% from deep. Four of those five seasons was in Denver, with Tim Connelly. To get a guy like that on a veteran minimum contract would be equal to grand larceny.

Should the Minnesota Timberwolves return Kyle Anderson?

Kyle Anderson just wrapped up a two-year stint with the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he has played a crucial role, starting 56 games, primarily making his mark on the defensive end. Anderson is well known as one of the leaders in that locker room, which is probably a big reason as to why they want to bring him back.

But don’t forget the most important reason why the Wolves appear super interested in returning just about any pending free agent on their roster, who they think might contribute next season, or anytime in the near future.

According to Wolfson, Anderson might need to slash his salary almost in half, having earned just over $9 million last season. The Timberwolves would like to bring him back for around $5 million, a figure Anderson might find feasible, given his strong attachment to the area and his fit in the organization.

If guys like Kyle Anderson and Monte Morris won’t take team-friendly deals, of if Luka Garza (more on him below) gets a better offer elsewhere, the Minnesota Timberwolves CANNOT dip into free agency to replace them, unless it’s a veteran minimum contract. Most players worthy of minutes on a good team don’t play for a minimum salary.

Given their salary cap situation, the Wolves can only spend money (and go deeper into the luxury tax) if they are re-signing one of their own players, like the Kyle Anderson’s of the world. And good luck finding someone as good as Monte Morris on a vet minimum.

Related: Brooklyn Nets Reportedly Interested in Timberwolves’ 1st Round Pick

Getting both players back would be a major boost for the Timberwolves, solidifying the return of nearly every key contributor who played a crucial role in their historic last season. But they aren’t only looking to return Anderson and Morris.

Doogie notes that they would also like to bring back Luka Garza, as long as he isn’t blown away by an offer for backup big man minutes “that the Timberwolves won’t match”. Meanwhile, don’t expect Jordan McLaughlin to be on the roster again next season. He is one unrestricted free agent that the Wolves are unlikely to bring back.

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