BREAKING: Wolves currently sit with $1,445,587 under the luxury tax following Warren’s signing

March 3, 2024 emilysportnews-admin Minnesota Timberwolves 0

As the Minnesota Timberwolves sit at the top of the Western Conference standings, Tim Connelly, the President of Basketball Operations, is actively working to put together a playoff-ready roster. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Wolves intend to bring on T.J. Warren, a seasoned nine-year NBA player, on a 10-day contract pending a medical check-up.

Warren arrives in Minnesota amidst a bid to revive his once-promising career. The 30-year-old wing enjoyed a prominent role with the Indiana Pacers four years ago, highlighted by his standout performance during the NBA’s Covid bubble, where he averaged 20 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3 assists. This period peaked with a career-high 53-point game on August 1, 2020. However, his trajectory was disrupted when he suffered a stress fracture in his left foot on December 29, 2020, only four games into the 2020-21 season.

Nearly two years later, Warren made his return to NBA action with the Brooklyn Nets on December 2, 2022. However, he struggled to find consistency with both the Nets and the Phoenix Suns, averaging 7.5 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1 assist across 42 total games last season.

In a recent interview with Hoops Hype, Warren expressed confidence in his health, stating, “I’m 100 percent healthy now.” Now, as a veteran wing, he has the opportunity to demonstrate his capabilities with the Western Conference-leading team, the Timberwolves. This move poses minimal risk for the Timberwolves, given Warren’s 10-day contract and no long-term commitments. Despite the challenge of envisioning Warren’s immediate role with the team, the absence of Kyle Anderson due to injury leaves the Timberwolves with limited wing options.

When at his best, Warren combines length with exceptional body control. He particularly excels from the left corner of the court, boasting a career shooting percentage of 38.3% from that spot and hitting 37 of his last 86 attempts at a rate of 43% over the past three years. Warren is active off the ball, often initiating plays from the left corner and either cutting to the rim or finding open space on the perimeter. Additionally, he is adept at capitalizing on defensive lapses by attacking closeouts and utilizing his mid-range game or finishing with a floater. His ability to exploit defensive openings is evident in his 58.6% shooting at the rim when given the opportunity.

While the acquisition of T.J. Warren adds an interesting dynamic to the Timberwolves’ roster, it doesn’t hinder their ability to pursue a buyout candidate. With Justin Jackson’s 10-day contract coming to an end, Warren’s arrival temporarily fills the roster to 14 out of 15 total players. Currently, the Wolves have approximately $1,445,587 available under the luxury tax after Warren’s signing, and any veteran signed for the minimum salary would count for approximately $501,999 against the cap and luxury tax threshold.

However, Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic tempered expectations regarding the possibility of Marcus Morris Sr. joining the Wolves, suggesting that such a move might not be as likely as previously speculated.

Indeed, it’s crucial to stay alert as the Timberwolves continue to shape their roster in preparation for what they hope will be a successful playoff campaign. With ongoing moves and potential acquisitions, there’s undoubtedly more action to anticipate as they aim for a deep postseason run.

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