The Timberwolves began NBA free agency in frenzy as the clock struck midnight on July 1, commencing their quest for veteran additions to their current nucleus by scheduling meetings with SG-SF Nicolas Batum, C Greg Stiemsma, former Portland SG Brandon Roy, and PF-C Jordan Hill. The Timberpups also reached out to the likes of SG Jamal Crawford, SG OJ Mayo, while remaining extremely active in trade discussions with the Los Angeles Lakers in hopes of landing PF Pau Gasol.

It appears that the Pups are as dedicated as any team in the NBA to land multiple high-profile players NOW, greatly reflecting their urgency to “win now,” as Minnesota head coach Rick Adelman is 66 and is likely in the middle of his final contract of his life, while Pups owner Glen Taylor is 71 and wants to see how far his current core group of players can take him before he sells the team in a few years. Whatever the sole cause, it is very uncharacteristic of the Wolves to be so very active in free agency while placing such great importance on attracting marquee names to the land of 10,000 lakes, and the Minnesota front office and coaching staff deserves much credit for their persistent efforts thus far.

The Pups have been reported as to having offered contracts to Brandon Roy, Nicolas Batum, and international free agent Alexey Shved so far, with each player currently mulling multiple contract offers. Shved, most recently playing for CSKA Moscow, is a 6’5” combo guard who could potentially help out the Wolves at the 2-guard position. He is a good shooter from long range and is a fancy finisher around the hoop. As is with any international player, there is always a chance that the transition to the NBA would be too much for him. However, scouts are very high on Shved and believe that the 23-year-old could be a low-risk, high-reward signing. Shved is currently deciding between signing with the Wolves, Cleveland, or Memphis, and will make his decision based on which team he believes he will receive the most playing time. [Read more...]