5 Free Agents the Minnesota Timberwolves Need to Target

The Minnesota Timberwolves are a young team with a bright future.

Kevin Love was selected to his first career All-Star Game, Derrick Williams became the highest-drafted player in Timberwolves’ history and Ricky Rubio will finally be joining the team.

The Wolves have the core pieces needed to succeed. They just need a few glue guys to take them to the next level. Here is a list of five players David Kahn and the Timberwolves need to target when free agency finally takes place.

1. Shane Battier

One of the league’s ultimate glue guys, Shane Battier would give the Timberwolves a solid veteran presence both on the court and in the locker room.

Battier’s strength is on the defensive end of the court, where Minnesota greatly struggled a year ago. It doesn’t hurt that his wife is from Minnesota either.

2. Arron Afflalo

One of the Timberwolves’ biggest needs is at the 2, where Wayne Ellington is the team’s only true shooting guard.

Many feel that last year’s starter, Wes Johnson, was playing out of position. Arron Afflalo would provide great defense without needing the ball on the other end of the court. Afflalo is a restricted free agent, though, which may make signing him more difficult.

3. Greg Oden

To offset Kevin Love’s defensive deficiencies, the Timberwolves should pair him up with an athletic shot-blocker.

Enter Greg Oden.

While Oden’s injury history leaves a lot to be desired, he could be a true difference-maker for Minnesota if he can stay healthy. Like Afflalo, Oden is also a restricted free agent.

4. Samuel Dalembert

Dalembert is another one of those shot-blocking centers that Minnesota should target. Because of injury and free agent status, Dalembert should be easier to pursue than Oden, and will be a cheaper option than Tyson Chandler.

5. DeShawn Stevenson

While it wouldn’t be as high-profile of a signing as the others I’ve listed, Stevenson would give the Timberwolves a player who is used to guarding the NBA’s elite wings at a high level. Stevenson’s price tag should be considerably lower than those already mentioned.