As the NBA team with the highest payroll, even the most optimistic Minnesota Timberwolves fan didn’t expect a big move in free agency.
While they could have re-signed Kyle Anderson using his bird rights, doing so would have significantly increased their luxury tax bills, which isn’t ideal for a second-unit player.
Fortunately, the Timberwolves managed to make significant additions in both free agency and the draft. They brought in rookie Rob Dillingham, likely to be the team’s sixth-man point guard, and Joe Ingles, Mike Conley’s former Utah Jazz teammate who played last season in Orlando.
Joe Ingles, a 6-foot-9, 220-pound combo forward from Canberra, Australia, is versatile even at 36. Though he played a limited role last season, averaging 17.8 minutes in 68 games with 4.4 points, three assists, and 2.1 rebounds per game, he shot 43.5% from three, aligning with his career average of 41%.
While Ingles’ athleticism has declined, he remains a reliable spot-up shooter, connective passer, and capable switch defender. His positive 1.2 defensive box plus/minus last season indicates his defensive competence.
With Dillingham and Ingles, the Timberwolves have strengthened their rotation for the crucial 2024-25 season, earning praise for Tim Connelly’s efforts.
Tim Connelly on Rob Dillingham’s Role in 2024
Timberwolves president Tim Connelly believes Rob Dillingham will play a significant role as a rookie in 2024-25. Connelly emphasized that Dillingham wasn’t drafted to sit on the bench, noting that acquiring such a high pick without losing a core piece was a major achievement.
Connelly stated, “We think, ‘How can we get a guy that can be this impactful?’ We don’t want to trade our core guys. It’s pretty simplistic. I think we’ve checked a major box that we lacked last year… He’s a guy who, from Day 1, is going to have a role and a responsibility.”
Currently, the Timberwolves have the highest salary cap allocation in the NBA, being $17 million over the second apron, according to Spotrac. They might get some relief if Naz Reid or Rudy Gobert opts out, but adding a player like Dillingham, whose cap number won’t exceed $7 million until his fourth season, is a significant win for one of the best teams in the West, especially if he can immediately contribute top-8 minutes.
