NBA Rumors: Brandon Roy Makes Perfect Sense for Minnesota Timberwolves

The Minnesota Timberwolves are continuing their aggressive pursuit of free agent Brandon Roy, the former Portland Trail Blazer who is now attempting a comeback after chronic knee problems forced him to retire before last season. 

The addition of Roy—if completed, of course—would make perfect sense for the Timberwolves, a team that desperately needs a shooting guard in Roy's mold to help accelerate a push towards the postseason in 2012-13. 

According to Darren Wolfson of 1500 ESPN in the Twin Cities, Minnesota met with Roy Friday and is optimistic about its chances of landing him over several other suitors. 

"

Just heard the #Twolves met with FA Brandon Roy earlier today. Another sign that they want him badly. They like their chances to get him.

— Darren Wolfson (@DarrenWolfson) June 30, 2012"

The Timberwolves appear to be one of the front-runners to land Roy this summer. Other serious options include the Golden State Warriors, Chicago Bulls, Dallas Mavericks and Indiana Pacers. 

If Roy eventually signed, Minnesota could cross off a huge need on its offseason wish list.

Last season, head coach Rick Adelman was forced to play Luke Ridnour at shooting guard for long stretches. Yet for the Wolves to crack the playoffs for the first time in the post-Kevin Garnett era, something needs to be done at the position. 

Roy, a three-time NBA All-Star, would be an easy answer if he's the player he once was in Portland. 

The NBA Rookie of the Year in 2006-07, Roy's scoring average would increase in each of his first three seasons—topping off at 22.6 in 2008-09. He also averaged nearly five rebounds and five assists in each of his first four years. 

Injuries to his lower half eventually struck, however, and Roy played in just 47 games (23 starts) in 2010-11. On advice from Portland's medical staff, Roy retired before last season. 

He's now on the comeback trail, partly due the successful platelet rich plasma therapy Roy continues to undergo, according to Adrian Wojnarowski  of Yahoo! Sports. 

The Wolves haven't been shy about voicing their interest in Roy. 

According to Jerry Zgoda of the Minneapolis Star Tribune, Minnesota president David Kahn said early in the process that he had talked to Roy and that there was legitimate interest between the two. 

Adding a healthy Roy could make Minnesota a legitimate playoff contender in the Western Conference. Last season, the Wolves started strong but faded down the stretch, finishing a distant 12th in the West at 26-40. 

A free-agent visit is a good start for both sides on getting something done, but it's more likely that Roy will take his time in picking his next location. While Roy is free to sign anywhere whenever he wants, he may wait until the July 1 start of free agency to get serious about finding where he will play his basketball in 2012-13. 

Khan and the Timberwolves obviously hope that decision leads Roy to the Twin Cities.