NBA Rumors: Big Men Who Would Complete Minnesota Timberwolves Roster

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The Minnesota Timberwolves need to add one more peripheral piece to their roster in order to put the puzzle together and make a push toward the playoffs.

Charley Walters of the Pioneer Press reported the following on the team's plans for the latter stages of the offseason:

Wolves President David Kahn is considering adding another big player through free agency. Kahn has several candidates in mind, he said Sunday, Aug. 26, but all he can offer is a veteran minimum deal of about $1 million.

This will not be a blockbuster signing, but a disciplined big man to add depth could bring the hustle and toughness that this team needs to make the postseason for the first time since the 2003-04 season. 

Here are the players Kahn should be eyeing. 

Hassan Whiteside

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Hassan Whiteside is a raw and inexperienced player who has seen the floor in just 19 games over two seasons with the Sacramento Kings.

He has spent time in the D-league and proved to be a fantastic shot-blocker. At 7'0", he certainly has the physical tools to be a defensive presence in the paint.

His talent has drawn the Minnesota Timberwolves' interest, according to Alex Kennedy of Hoopsworld.

The Minnesota Timberwolves are watching free agent big man Hassan Whiteside work out today in Houston.

— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) August 27, 2012

If the team is looking to add a young player who may turn in to a fine player down the road, Whiteside is certainly an intriguing option. If they want a player who will contribute this season, then there are other big men who would be better fits. 

Anthony Tolliver

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Anthony Tolliver has spent his last two seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves, but David Kahn has yet to reach out to the unrestricted free agent.

He is not a player who will ever make SportsCenter's "Top 10 Plays"—unless he is getting dunked on—but he hustles on defense and rarely makes ill-advised decisions.

He is a smart player who fits Minnesota's price range, but these qualities have already caught the eye of the Atlanta Hawks, according to Fox Sports' Chris Tomasson.

Free-agent Anthony Tolliver said he’s intrigued by Atlanta, a team that has great interest in him. sulia.com/c/nba-free-age…

— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) August 27, 2012

Kahn may be shopping around looking to improve the roster spot that Tolliver occupied last season; however, singing Tolliver would be a safe move.

Kenyon Martin

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Kenyon Martin is the most talented big man left on the free-agent market.

The former No. 1 overall pick is a tenacious player who can guard multiple positions. He is not the athlete he once was, but he can certainly make an important contribution on defense.

Martin was rumored to be headed to a big-market team earlier this summer, according to ESPN New York's Jared Zwerling, but the forward remains a free agent.

The Lakers are pursuing Kenyon Martin. The Knicks are likely too. But will he sign for the vet min? He makes a lot of sense for both teams.

— Jared Zwerling (@JaredZwerling) August 11, 2012

With Martin still stranded in the free-agency market, the Minnesota Timberwolves stand a chance to sign him for the veteran's minimum if he cannot find other worthy suitors. 

Chris Andersen

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Few players bring as much energy to the court as Chris Andersen. 

The former Denver Nugget was waived via the amnesty clause and has yet to find a new home. ESPN New York's Jared Zwerling reported that Andersen would accept a deal that paid him the veteran's minimum. 

If the Minnesota Timberwolves want a veteran who can contribute on defense, then Andersen is undoubtedly one of the best options available. He managed to record 1.4 blocks per game last season despite missing time due to injury and getting just 15.2 minutes per game.

He would prove to be a valuable presence off the bench for the Timberwolves if they give him a chance this season. 

Andray Blatche

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This that would certainly be met with disdain from some Minnesota Timberwolves fans due to Andray Blatche's off-the-court issues. 

In addition to being a difficult player to coach, NBA.com notes that the Washington Wizards' decision to amnesty Blatche included incidents where he was arrested for soliciting sex and a fight with JaVale McGee when the two were at a nightclub.

However, Blatche has talent and could give the Timberwolves the skills they need for this season. David Kahn would do well to follow ESPN New York's Jared Zwerling on Twitter, as he identified Blatche as yet another big man who could be signed for cheap.

Andray Blatche, who got amnestied and will still make $$ from Washington, could be more open to the veteran's minimum.

— Jared Zwerling (@JaredZwerling) August 2, 2012

If the Timberwolves believe that a change of scenery would cause Blatche to stay out of trouble, then they could add a player who averaged 16.8 points and 8.3 rebounds just two seasons ago.