Timberwolves Dont Expect To Hit Free-Agency With Splash

Nam Huynh writes for Minnesota Sports Zone (http://www.mn-sz.com)

The Minnesota Timberwolves are expected to have at least $8 million under the $58.7 million salary cap for the beginning of free-agency, but are not expected to make any big signings.  The Wolves have Rodney Carney, Jason Collins, Kevin Ollie and Shelden Williams as unrestricted free-agents who can sign anywhere.  Most, if not all of their unrestricted free-agents are not expected to return to the club.  Carney may draw at least some internal discussion, after having a career year as the Wolves sixth-man in their rotation last year.

The Timberwolves could look to sign guard Ben Gordon, 26, since they have a gaping hole at the 2 position on their roster.  But Gordon is expected to command a very big contract, and would likely sign with a team that could win a championship now.

The general consensus is that teams are looking at saving money for the 2010 free-agency, with the summer of Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Amare Stoudemire, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, Tyson Chandler, Manu Ginobili, Richard Jefferson, Joe Johnson, Tracy McGrady, Yao Ming, Steve Nash, Dirk Nowitzki and Michael Redd, each of whom can become an unrestricted free agent in 2010.

The Timberwolves’ buyer status in the summer of 2010 will be based upon how well they progress in the 2009 season.  If they can show promise or even make a strong run at a play-off appearance, I would not be surprised if they look at players such as a Dwayne Wade.