Head coach Chris Finch was a fan of him, but the fans? Not so much. His nickname “SloMo” stuck because his jump shot is one of the slowest in the game. But it looks like he might’ve made some changes, showing off a tweaked version during the Warriors’ preseason.

Kyle Anderson debuts new jump shot with the Golden State Warriors

There’s a new video going around on Timberwolves Twitter after @Wolvesmuse dropped a side-by-side comparison of his new jumper versus how it looked back when he was with the Wolves.

The difference is actually pretty wild.

There’s no way this is the same guy pic.twitter.com/XZvZAUcbrq

— Timberwolves Muse (@Wolvesmuse) October 16, 2024

You can really tell there’s a big difference. Last season, teams would just leave him wide open at the 3-point line, daring him to shoot because he barely ever took the shot. But now, he’s looking a lot more confident with his new jumper, and it’s showing on the court so far.

Related: 3 Minnesota Timberwolves Under the Most Pressure This Season

Last season, Anderson only took 48 threes and hit just 11 of them, which is a brutal 22%. It was clear he needed to work on it, and now it looks like he’s making solid progress.

It’ll be cool to see how he works out with the Warriors. He’s likely gonna get decent playing time, considering he averaged 22.6 minutes per game last season and he’s making 9 million a year.

Meanwhile, the Timberwolves front office is also facing decisions on several key unrestricted free agents for next season, including Kyle Anderson, Monte Morris, Jordan McLaughlin and TJ Warren; along with restricted free agents Luka Garza and Daishen Nix.

Minnesota Timberwolves interested in Re-Signing Kyle Anderson and Monte Morris

After a heartbreaking finish to last season, losing to the Dallas Mavericks in five games during the Western Conference Finals, it looks like the Minnesota Timberwolves are determined to keep, not just their core roster together, but much of their depth pieces too.

Insider Darren Wolfson shared on his latest SKOR North scoop session with Mackey & Judd that the Timberwolves are going to try and bring back multiple free agents, starting with backup point guard Monte Morris and do-it-all (except for outside shooting) glue guy, Kyle Anderson. Both role players would likely have to accept significant pay cuts, in order to return.

“There is optimism that Monte Morris will be back on a veteran minimum contract. I don’t know if two years ago you would have foresaw Monte Morris signing a veteran minimum deal in the summer of 2024, but that is something to keep an eye on.

There is genuine interest, on both sides, in a reunion with Kyle Anderson. I get it, the Wolves are not paying Kyle Anderson the same salary he made last year. He does like it here. He noted, in his postseason media availability, how he has a son who’s autistic. Him and his wife really love the schooling that his son gets here. Right, so that has to be a factor — a family factor. He loves Chris Finch [too].

“Now, Kyle plays multiple positions, but is he really a four? Maybe he views himself more as a three. So… maybe, he would talk to Chris about maybe using him slightly differently next year. But there is genuine interest in a reunion with Kyle Anderson.”

Darren Wolfson – SKOR North

Should the Minnesota Timberwolves return Monte Morris?

Monte Morris, traded to the Timberwolves at last season’s deadline, would have the chance to be one of the more underrated re-signings in the NBA this offseason, especially at a minimum salary, given how desperately the Wolves need help at point guard.

In his 27 games with the Timberwolves, Morris averaged 15.1 minutes, contributing 5.1 points and 2.3 assists per game. On the surface, those numbers won’t convince anyone that he’s sitting on a big year. But remember, Connelly brought Morris in at the trade deadline because he was a cheap buy-low addition, given the upside he brings.

Monte is just 29-years-old and, prior to injury wiping out half of his 2023-24 season, was one of the better bench ball-handlers in the NBA. In five seasons between 2018 and 2023, Morris averaged 10.5 points, 2.4 rebounds and 4 assists, in 25.8 minutes per game, shooting 39% from deep. Four of those five seasons was in Denver, with Tim Connelly. To get a guy like that on a veteran minimum contract would be equal to grand larceny.

two shots. two makes.

we see you, Monte 🪣 pic.twitter.com/w2Vfy1OrX9

— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) April 11, 2024

Should the Minnesota Timberwolves return Kyle Anderson?

Kyle Anderson just wrapped up a two-year stint with the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he has played a crucial role, starting 56 games, primarily making his mark on the defensive end. Anderson is well known as one of the leaders in that locker room, which is probably a big reason as to why they want to bring him back.

But don’t forget the most important reason why the Wolves appear super interested in returning just about any pending free agent on their roster, who they think might contribute next season, or anytime in the near future.

According to Wolfson, Anderson might need to slash his salary almost in half, having earned just over $9 million last season. The Timberwolves would like to bring him back for around $5 million, a figure Anderson might find feasible, given his strong attachment to the area and his fit in the organization.

KYLE IS COOKIN'

11 FIRST-HALF PTS so far. pic.twitter.com/blTEJPtZj9

— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) May 23, 2024

If guys like Kyle Anderson and Monte Morris won’t take team-friendly deals, of if Luka Garza (more on him below) gets a better offer elsewhere, the Minnesota Timberwolves CANNOT dip into free agency to replace them, unless it’s a veteran minimum contract. Most players worthy of minutes on a good team don’t play for a minimum salary.

Given their salary cap situation, the Wolves can only spend money (and go deeper into the luxury tax) if they are re-signing one of their own players, like the Kyle Anderson’s of the world. And good luck finding someone as good as Monte Morris on a vet minimum.

Related: Brooklyn Nets Reportedly Interested in Timberwolves’ 1st Round Pick

Getting both players back would be a major boost for the Timberwolves, solidifying the return of nearly every key contributor who played a crucial role in their historic last season. But they aren’t only looking to return Anderson and Morris.

Doogie notes that they would also like to bring back Luka Garza, as long as he isn’t blown away by an offer for backup big man minutes “that the Timberwolves won’t match”. Meanwhile, don’t expect Jordan McLaughlin to be on the roster again next season. He is one unrestricted free agent that the Wolves are unlikely to bring back.

During Game 3 Sunday night, a contest the Timberwolves absolutely had to have down 2-0 in the series, they simply couldn’t get a stop late. Jason Kidd’s team to shot 56% from the floor and 50% from deep on the night.

Minnesota Timberwolves can’t beat Luka Doncic + officials

While the insufferable Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving continued their impressive run, NBA official Tony Brothers and his crew made the game about them from the beginning.

Kyle Anderson receives a tech after an offensive foul 😳 pic.twitter.com/OuwdjSLRgL

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 27, 2024

So I see the referees are going to influence this game against #WolvesBack tonight.

“Referees are never supposed to be like that. They’re supposed to be de-escalating situations. There’s no talking to Tony Brothers tonight.”

Reggie Miller with the key correct take.

— Ted (@tlschwerz) May 27, 2024

It started early, and it wasn’t just the Minnesota Timberwolves taking notice. After a questionable foul on Kyle Anderson, otherwise critical TNT analyst Reggie Miller noted just how bad of a decision Tony Brothers made to give the Minnesota forward a technical. Passionately questioning the foul, Dallas was sent to the line early.

As has been the case for the majority of his career, things continued to be uneven as Rudy Gobert got tangled with Daniel Gafford going down the court, but constant Luka Doncic contact was left unreprimanded.

For the duration of this series there has been a few constants, Luka Doncic trash talking, Luka Doncic complaining and Luka Doncic hitting massive shots in the biggest moments. He did plenty of all three on Sunday night.

Referees became a talking point through the contest, and especially in the second half. This isn’t the first time the Timberwolves have experience a lopsided game in the refereeing department during these playoffs, but this felt like Scott Foster would be welcomed onto the court as a substitute.

And the academy award goes to… pic.twitter.com/5yDjICeCVp

— Ted (@tlschwerz) May 27, 2024

Nickeil Alexander-Walker was handed a third quarter offensive foul more than three-quarters of the way from the bucket after Derrick Jones Jr. decided to win an Academy Awards. The zebras once again fell for it and hopped on the whistle with quickness.

Related: Sounds Like the Timberwolves Plan to Offer Mike Conley a Lucrative Coaching Job

The icing on the cake may have been Doncic himself, throwing a literal tantrum on national television that went unreprimanded. Worth a trip to the locker room for his binkie and a timeout, instead the officials swallowed their whistle and asked the Mavericks star that finished with 33 points what he would like next.

Crikey, we have a prancing toddler in the wild: pic.twitter.com/5LTNgQzvbI

— Ted (@tlschwerz) May 27, 2024

Officials rarely are the sole reason for a result in any professional game. They weren’t tonight, and they won’t be the rest of the way either. They certainly impacted the game negatively for Minnesota though, and it’s been a problem for the league over the years.

Adam Silver knows this league has an officiating issue, and if the NBA ever wants to distance itself completely from Tim Donaghy’s transgressions, then a greater level of consistency and transparency needs to be shown. But tonight, it wouldn’t have mattered.

Related: 3 New Names Linked To Minnesota Timberwolves Ahead of NBA Trade Deadline

After dominating the first half and building a 69-47 lead into halftime, the Wolves came out of the break looking like a completely different team. They were outscored 36-23 in the 3rd quarter, 32-23 in the 4th and 14-8 in overtime. Dumb decisions, turnovers and immature basketball is what led to such an embarrassing loss.

Kyle Anderson’s late game technical foul

But when the game was over, too many of the Timberwolves players, and even All-Star game head coach, Chris Finch, wanted to talk more about a late Kyle Anderson technical foul call than how in the hell they blew such a huge lead vs a bottom feeder opponent in the first place.

Here’s the technical foul call in question. It happens with just over one-minute left in the 4th quarter, with the Wolves leading 115-112. You’ll see Anderson yelling at the ref in the top-left corner of the screen, prior to the tech being called. Below the video, you can read the complaints of both Kyle Anderson and Chris Finch.

Kyle Anderson was hit with a bench technical with less than 1:30 remaining 😳

pic.twitter.com/lKM4NSWsZT

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 7, 2024

“I couldn’t believe it. We’re focusing on the wrong thing. The only ones that used profanity I’m out there all the time; I heard profanity all game being yelled at the refs. I didn’t use profanity. I said, ‘that’s an and-1’. [So] give me a tech? I thought that was a little weird. I don’t know.”

“I think he pulled the trigger a little too early, honestly. All we were saying on the bench was, ‘it’s a foul, and an and-1’. Nobody used profanity, nothing malicious. Just caught up in the moment of the game. That was a quick trigger. I don’t think a veteran ref is calling a tech on that. Nothing to do with the game. But he did.”

Kyle Anderson

Related: Anthony Edwards Fed Up With ‘Cheatin A** Refs’, Welcomes Future Fine

“It seemed to me like an incredibly quick and unnecessary, at that point in time, call. Just reacting to a play in the moment that I didn’t think was over-demonstrative. I don’t think there was an excessive discussion or language used or anything like that.”

Chris Finch

The Wolves claim they were surprised by the technical foul call and that they didn’t hear a warning, like the crew chief claims they were. But why Kyle Anderson wants to talk so much about whether or not he used profanity makes no sense. Who cares, the refs mentioned nothing about profanity in their postgame explanation.

They said Kyle Anderson was complaining too much. They warned him, he kept going, so they gave him a tech: “After being instructed to stop complaining, Anderson continued to complain so he was issued an unsportsmanlike technical for continuous complaining.”

Was the timing bad? Yes. Does it matter? No.

Minnesota Timberwolves need to move on from ref drama

I have a crazy idea. but I think it just might work. How about we stop complaining and focus on playing better basketball? If the Minnesota Timberwolves would stop worrying so much about whether or not the refs are conspiring against them, the answer to that question wouldn’t matter.

You are a 35-win basketball team BEFORE THE ALL-STAR BREAK. Even if the refs are working against you, more than for you, you’ve proven that it doesn’t matter as long as you play well. I get the general idea of all the complaining and ‘working the refs’. It’s how superstars get more calls, or so they believe.

But in the Timberwolves’ case, it isn’t working. In fact, it’s making things worse. Anthony Edwards took his complaints public and it cost $40K. Kyle Anderson is getting T’d up from the bench in huge end-of-game moments. So, it’s time to pull back. Control what you can control, which is playing better basketball.

Related: Local Insider Says Reports Timberwolves Offered 4 Picks for Tyus Jones are 100% False

Focus on the fact that you blew a 23 point lead, not on how the refs supposedly screwed you AFTER you had allowed Chicago back into the game in the first place. Why was last night’s contest even in a place where that technical foul call meant anything or that Kyle Anderson cared to complain that much.

With just over one minute left at the United Center on Tuesday night, the Minnesota Timberwolves should have been leading by 30 points. The G-Leaguers and bench warmers should have been in the game. Nobody should have cared enough to get T’d up about anything that late. How about we focus more on that shit? Listen to Rudy Gobert, maybe…

“We got to find a way to forget about the score and just be dogs for 48 minutes. Also, once again, too much talking to the officials. They’re not going to get better. I think we got to focus on ourselves.”

Rudy Gobert

Related: Why the Timberwolves Must Land Tyus Jones at the NBA Trade Deadline

But most of that came last year, when he averaged over 28 minutes per game. Anderson’s role has gradually diminished, this season, though. Kyle has started just two games and he’s getting dangerously close to falling under 20 minutes per game.

There aren’t a lot of rotations in either conference that is as difficult to crack as Minnesota’s right now. That’s why he and another proven veteran who isn’t getting very many minutes, Shake Milton, are both being thrown around as possible trade pieces before the February 8th deadline.

Kyle Anderson for Doug McDermott?

• Spurs Receive: Kyle Anderson
• Wolves Receive: Doug McDermott

Minnesota has struggled with versatile Kyle Anderson (1.1 3-point attempts per 36 minutes) on the court in particular and might do well to flip him — in the final season of his contract — for a player of similar overall ability but better shooting. Would the San Antonio Spurs consider bringing back Anderson in a deal built around Doug McDermott (8.7 3PA per 36)?

ESPN

Anderson’s biggest problem has been 3-point shooting. How bad is it? 15.4% bad, an almost impossible drop-off from the career-high 41% he shot from deep last year. Nonetheless, he’s still providing plus minutes on both offense (110 offensive rating) and always a force on defense (109 defensive rating).

For most rosters around the league, he could simply stop shooting from deep and still serve a variety of different (and productive) roles. Kyle Anderson is a proven plug-and-play multi-tool role-player who can provide valuable minutes from pretty much every position on the floor, in today’s NBA. Who doesn’t need that?

Doug McDermott is available

The 7-33 San Antonio Spurs, have made small forward Doug McDermott available. Chris Haynes (Bleacher Report) said on his ‘This League’ podcast:

“I was told that the Spurs are listening to offers for some of their veterans that are on expiring deals,” Haynes said. “They don’t have too many veterans, but they have two veterans that are on expiring deals, Doug McDermott and Cedi Osman. These are two players that would be pretty good fixtures on a team that’s trying to win or contend right now.”

Chris Haynes – This League Podcast

Related: Chris Finch, Timberwolves Believe They Have Their Mojo Back

The trade makes complete sense, considering the Spurs are struggling to win games and McDermott (like Anderson) is on a expiring contract. Doug McDermott, a Grand Forks, ND native, recently celebrated his 32nd birthday, holds is averaging 6.4 points, 1.1 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game this season. He’s shooting a solid 46.1% from the field but it’s his proficiency from deep (46.8%) that might have the Wolves salivating.

Doug McDermott deep three🎯 pic.twitter.com/PLh6uMe9Tt

— Ball Brief (@BallBrief_) January 8, 2023

Chris Finch, Minnesota Timberwolves Love Kyle Anderson

The NBA trade deadline is still a couple weeks away and who knows what can happen. The Timberwolves hold the second best record in the league right now, at 29-11, behind only the 32-9 Boston Celtics. Does it make sense to move a guy like Kyle Anderson, who may not get a ton of minutes right now, but is just one injury or slump away from playing a very important role once again?

Many teammates seem to be very fond of Kyle. Chris Finch has made it very clear that he is a HUGE fan of Anderson, as well, which will obviously play into what Tim Connelly eventually does.

Not saying he's untouchable. But Finch LOVES him. Hard to see it. So valuable when going zone/overall on defense and his passing his rock-solid. His experience and where he sees the game helps too.

— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) January 18, 2024

And some would argue, why make a trade when you are cruising at a pace like the Wolves have been. Who knows what can happen, as the trade deadline creeps closer. But I can’t help think about what Doug McDermott knocking down nearly 50% of his 3-pointers could provide for this Minnesota Timberwolves offense now.

Related: Where the Minnesota Timberwolves Stand in Latest NBA Power Rankings

Kyle Anderson to join Chinese National Team

Not the Washington Post or New York Post. The South China Morning Post is reporting that Wolves forward, Kyle Anderson, is set to be “naturalised” by the Chinese government this offseason so he can join the Chinese national basketball team and compete in international competition.

Sources close to the Chinese Basketball Association have told the Post that Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kyle Anderson is likely to be naturalised to play for China in time for this summer’s FIBA World Cup.

South China Morning Post

Anderson must renounce American citizenship

Anderson, whose great grandfather is from China, according to the Morning Post, is 1/8 Chinese. There’s a catch, though. China doesn’t allow dual citizenship. That means Anderson, who was born in New York City, will have to renounce his American citizenship in order to be naturalised by China.

Under Article 3 of the current Nationality Law, China does not recognise dual nationality. If Anderson is to don the China jersey, the former UCLA player will have to renounce his US citizenship.

South China Morning Post

Goodbye freedom

Kyle Anderson is his own person and has his own reasons for wanting to join the Chinese national basketball team. But I cannot imagine, as a US citizen, giving up my rights as an American so I can join the biggest and most corrupt dictatorship in modern history.

In July 2020, Anderson — who was with the Memphis Grizzlies at the time — told “The Undefeated” (now “Andscape) that he was wearing “Listen to Us” on the back of his jersey because, “I think the world needs to listen to us — not just our country but the world. Everybody, they need to know what’s going on in our world so that we can make it a better world.”

Now, he’s giving up his right to American freedom for a country and government that denounces individual freedoms, has modern day muslim concentration camps and hasn’t listened to its citizens for decades. Makes sense, especially for someone in this league.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

Kyle Anderson and Rudy Gobert got into a scuffle during a timeout???? pic.twitter.com/y8X76TbUuJ

— Backcourt Alerts (@BackcourtAlerts) April 9, 2023

It’s unclear exactly what happened and why. It’s possible that Gobert was missing assignments on defense and then tossing blame elsewhere. At least that’s what the great Wob (Rob Perez) believes.

Here are 2 of 3 defensive possessions before Rudy Gobert punch

You can hear KAT exclaim “Rudy!” during broadcast, implying he needed to come back to ball

What i pick up from Kyle in huddle is two “Dont do that!”s + “Youre a bitch”. May/May not be directly related to these plays pic.twitter.com/XVAhGFeII3

— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) April 9, 2023

Rudy wasn’t the only Wolf that left the game after punching something. Jaden McDaniels punched the wall walking down the hallway and is rumored to have a fractured wrist because of it.

Jaden McDaniels punched a wall so hard he put himself out of the game pic.twitter.com/QJQFoMI1i2

— Pelicans Film Room (@PelsFilmRoom) April 9, 2023

Minnesota Timberwolves F Jaden McDaniels — who was seen punching a wall on his way to the halftime locker room – has a fractured hand, sources tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 9, 2023

Even after all of this drama, the Wolves found a way to victory against the Pelicans, clinching the 8-seed in the Western Conference, matching them up with the LA Lakers on Tuesday for a chance at moving up to the 7-seed in the playoffs.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan