Wolves 2018 Free Agent Thread

[Lipoli390]

I suppose we could do this in the Off-season Thread. But I thought free agency deserved a thread of its own now that the draft behind us and given all the other discussion in the other thread.

The two big questions are:

1. What types of players and what players specifically SHOULD pursue as free agents this summer?

2. What players do you think the Wolves WILL end up signing as free agents this summer?

My initial though was that the Wolves should focus the full MLE on signing the best 3-point rotation player available. I'm not sure who that would be. But on reflection, I'm wondering if that would make sense given our current roster and who we just drafted. Signing the best 3-point shooting rotation player would probably stifle the development of Okogie and Diop. Assuming Thibs signs Rose, I don't know how either of those two rookies would get any meaningful PT on a roster filled with guards and wings, including (1) Teague, (2) Rose, (3) Tyus, (4) Wiggins, (5) Butler, (6) free-agent signee. If Belly re-signs, it would be even more crowded.

I'm beginning to think the Wolves should focus on signing the best rim-protector they can afford. A few names that come to mind are JaVale McGee, Nerlens Noel and Kyle O'Quinn. It wouldn't take the full MLE to get O'Quinn and I'm not sure whether it would take that much to get either of the other two, depending on the length of the contract. Thoughts?

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

Wayne Ellington would be an excellent pick up IMO.

I see Diop as a backup 4. If Bjelly goes, then he may get playing time very soon. And I see Okogie as our 4th wing, may be 5th if Rose plays off the ball. He'll get time though because you know Rose and Butler are going to be out hurt for part of the season.

Bottom line....we need a proven volume 3-point shooter. Diop and Okogie will get their chance.

[BloopOracle]

What I would love is for us to go after Kyrie Irving but since we won't I'd like to sign Wayne Ellington or Avery Bradley.

[Lipoli390]

Wayne Ellington would be an excellent pick up IMO.

I see Diop as a backup 4. If Bjelly goes, then he may get playing time very soon. And I see Okogie as our 4th wing, may be 5th if Rose plays off the ball. He'll get time though because you know Rose and Butler are going to be out hurt for part of the season.

Bottom line....we need a proven volume 3-point shooter. Diop and Okogie will get their chance.

No doubt Ellington is the creme of the 3-point FA crop this summer. I would think he could be had for the MLE, although I'd like to believe we wouldn't have to spend the entire chunk on him. Actually, I don't see anyone else currently on the unrestricted free agent list who would fit the bill as a high-percentage, relatively high-volume 3-point shooter who would be good enough to be a significant part of the Wolves rotation.

[Monster]

Please no big centers.

There is a chance we could get a KCP or Avery Brady type guy that's really more of a legit starter but I'm loling at a more realistic guy Joe Harris. He also is decently young and maybe we can offer less than the mid level for multiple years and have him locked in. Either he Nets having a possible plan to have loads of cap space it might be easier to get him. We probably should set our sights higher but Harris could be a really solid addition and he is a guy that could fit right in

[khans2k5 [enjin:6608728]]

I would love to get Kyle O'Quinn. We need a big who can hold his ground because Towns, G and even at times Gibson gets pushed around. I really like his passing ability as well for a big. Would love to just give G's minutes to him. As for a wing shooter I don't know how much they'll play and one shooter off the bench does not solve our 3pt shooting problem. I say that fully thinking Tyus/Rose is the bench backcourt. I like Okogie's defense and hustle next to those two in the limited minutes that will be available at that spot. I don't think a 3 Pt specialist helps this roster as much as people hope as long as Rose is brought back which I expect him to be at this point.

I don't think Javale works anywhere outside of a contender. He still makes a lot of bad plays and the GS version of him is rose colored glasses. Noel is too much of a diva to go after. He's not gonna stay in his lane and just do the things that could make him a useful player.

If we didn't have a minutes issue I'd really want Hezonja, but I just don't see the minutes here that would make that risk likely to pay off.

[Coolbreeze44]

I'm expecting a trade to open up some cap room. I have no idea what that trade will be, but i think it has to be done in conjunction with our free agent moves.

[TAFKASP]

Wayne Ellington would be an excellent pick up IMO.

Wouldn't it be nice if the Wolves draft a guy like Ellington?

[Lipoli390]

I'm expecting a trade to open up some cap room. I have no idea what that trade will be, but i think it has to be done in conjunction with our free agent moves.

I have a similar feeling, Cool. I see a significant trade happening, but I don't think it will be a cap-opening move because I can't see how the Wolves get significantly below the cap and free up cap space that would exceed the $8.8M MLE. But I would agree with you if you mean a trade that would allow the Wolves to re-sign Belly and spend the full MLE without bumping up against the luxury tax. More likely, I see the Wolves trying to trade Gorgui, possibly in conjunction with Diop, for a rotation player who Thibodeau believes would be an upgrade. I also suspect that Thibodeau will be quietly shopping Wiggins. Honestly, Butler, KAT and Gibson are the only three players on the roster Thibodeau absolutely will not trade this summer.

[WildWolf2813]

short answer: does it really matter?

long answer: Joe Harris or Mario Hezonja to back up Butler. Find a shot blocker as the third center