5 teams that could steal Josh Richardson from the Pelicans
By Elaine Blum
2. Minnesota Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves had two reserves averaging double-digit scoring this season; Jaylen Nowell and Naz Reid. Both will be free agents this summer and might be out the door if they can find better deals and bigger roles with different teams. Even with those two coming off the bench, however, Minnesota struggled offensively at times, so upgrading their supporting cast should be the top priority, especially if Reid and Nowell are finding new teams. After everything they gave up last summer to acquire Rudy Gobert, they have no other choice but to enter the tax and optimize the roster around their twin towers.
That includes getting all the outside shooting they can get. Anthony Edwards, Mike Conley, Taurean Prince, Jaden McDaniels, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Karl-Anthony Towns can all stretch the floor well enough, but to make their two-big lineup work, the Timberwolves basically need a whole rotation of three-point threats around them.
At the same time, however, these players should take as few touches as possible away from Edwards, Towns, Gobert, and McDaniels while providing reliable defense. Richardson fits those requirements pretty well, but considering the role and salary they could offer him, Minnesota might not be as appealing as some other destinations.