Timberwolves

Post Butler Trade: The Free Agency World

Two things happened to the free agent market when Jimmy Butler was traded to the Wolves: First, a shift in the market. Second, a change in the landscape.

The Market 

The cap space left for the Wolves is in the vicinity of $18-22 million, along with the money they get if they waive Jordan Hill and his $4 million cap hit. The market has now been shifted because of the attraction to Minnesota.

They have some money to play with, both Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns are still on their rookie deals and all three of their studs are young and together for the near future. They can hand out a solid contract while offering plenty of talent that they would play with. Kyle Lowry seems to be a target on the table, according to a report from Hoop Central. While he is the priciest, but most attractive option, there are other free agents available.

Jrue Holiday would be one of the better options for the Wolves, because of his shooting ability, especially from deep, paired with the upside of his not being a defensive liability. The next options would be Jeff Teague and George Hill, both solid players who would add much needed veteran depth for the team’s bench. Teague is an especially intriguing prospect because of his elite ball-handling ability that would pair well with the offensive production around him in Minnesota.

A lineup with Teague and Ricky Rubio on the floor would give the Wolves the makings of a small ball lineup. This would give the team the roster flexibility of a playoff squad. The Timberwolves have enough spare cash and a stacked roster that will attract talent.

A Changing Landscape 

There are two types of teams in the NBA right now, but it is more drastic in the West. There are teams trying to power up against the Warriors and then there are the teams rebuilding and weathering the storm. The Timberwolves change a lot of outlooks for teams in the West. The first teams this makes a difference to are fringe teams like Portland, Denver and New Orleans. These are the teams that have been working towards, and fighting for the bottom seeds in the conference.

Now the Wolves may have them already dead to rites with the Butler acquisition. All these teams now need their young players to grow up quickly, while finding vets who can still contribute on the cheap. For these teams, the rebuilding they have been doing will probably be extended a few more season.

For teams like the Clippers, Thunder and Jazz, the stakes are far higher. All of these teams are going to lose a big free agent and/or desperately need to find one. Gordon Hayward is likely to head to Boston or Miami. One or perhaps both of Blake Griffin and Chris Paul may leave the Clippers. Oklahoma City needs another superstar to pair with an All-Star who takes 30 shots per game.

All of these teams are dangerously close to not only becoming just a fifth seed team that gets swept every year, but losing to an up and comer (I see you Minnesota).

The landscape is changing because in the course of one team vaulting into the picture on the cusp of a huge free agent summer, some teams that have been in the playoff picture for years now must choose between breaking the bank or rebuilding.

What Free Agency Will Show 

The true test of free agency will show how the big names feel about contenders. The two options are trying to join up with the East to make a run at the finals, or stay in the West and try to get through Golden State. This summer will be very telling in what players think of the Spurs or Rockets chances compared to the odds of beating LeBron James and the Cavaliers.


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