The Wolves were able to return Luka Garza on a two-year minimum contract but they are facing the likely loss of several others to the free agency. Kyle Anderson is unlikely to come back. Same with Jordan McLaughlin. And we found out on Tuesday, neither is Monte Morris, who was probably the best player of the three.

Minnesota Timberwolves lose Monte Morris to the Phoenix Suns

Free agent guard Monte Morris plans to sign a deal with the Phoenix Suns, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Suns lock in a reliable point guard entering his eighth NBA season. Morris has averaged 10 points, 39% 3-point shooting and 3.8 assists over career. pic.twitter.com/d1AUNCYIKm

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 2, 2024

Monte Morris signing in with the Phoenix Suns for the league minimum tells us that a couple things. Many thought he’d spurn the Timberwolves, in favor of more money.

Instead, he took a minimum deal to play for a Western Conference rival contender. The bright side of it, Connelly acquired Morris for two bench players who weren’t helping the cause, and a second-round pick. Still, the juice wasn’t worth the squeeze.

Related: Timberwolves Have Reported Interest in Trading for Blossoming Utah Jazz All-Star Forward

Minnesota traded for Monte Morris at the 2023-24 deadline. He played 27 games in a Timberwolves uniform, but never really provided the shooting or scoring pump that Connelly hoped, when he made the deal. Morris logged around 15 minutes per game, averaging just over 5 points and 2.3 assists per game.

Monte’s disinterest in re-signing with the Timberwolves could have had something to do with the roster already housing Mike Conley and the No. 8 overall draft pick from last week, Kentucky’s Rob Dillingham. Now, they could be relying on the latter even more than previously hoped.

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.

Related: Can Monte Morris Cure Minnesota Timberwolves’ Playmaking, Maturity Problems?

In doing so, he also managed to send out the Wolves’ most obvious trade assets, Shake Milton and Troy Brown Jr (along with their 2030 2nd round pick). But now, the obvious question remains… what’s next? Is Connelly done wheeling and dealing or does he have more mid-season tricks up his sleeve.

There have been a few reports that have floated out liking the Timberwolves to specific bought out players, since the trade deadline passed Thursday afternoon.

Minnesota Timberwolves planning more move on buyout market?

The Wolves have two open spots on their 15-man active roster and $1.6 million left under the luxury tax threshold, following Wednesday’s trade. They’ve been carrying one open lost for awhile, but they’re expected to fill both soon.

“…this trade does not mean the Wolves are done dealing. They could look to add another player via trade or keep their powder dry for the buyout market that will open later this month. The Wolves still have a portion of their midlevel exception to sprinkle on top of the veteran’s minimum salary to entice any veteran shooter who has his contract bought out.”

Jon Krawczynski – The Athletic

Converting Luke Garza’s contract from a 2-way deal, into a full NBA contract, makes sense for one of the two open slots. Another option would be elevating Lance Stephenson, who’s been ripping up the G-League for weeks with the Iowa Wolves.

Related: Time for Timberwolves to Grow Up; Stop Crying About Refs

Buyout market candidates

Much more likely, though, is Tim Connelly & Co make another external addition to the roster, via the post-trade deadline buyout market. Some of the names that they have been linked to include Spencer Dinwiddie (who is reportedly on his way to Dallas), Evan Fournier, Marcus Morris, Furkan Korkmaz, and Joe Harris. Other names that they’ve been mentioned with recently who could be available include Kyle Lowry and Seth Curry,

Timberwolves are sending Shake Milton, Troy Brown Jr. and one second-round pick to Detroit for Monte Morris, sources said. https://t.co/sb12v2N1gk

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 7, 2024

Minnesota Timberwolves trade Milton and Brown Jr. for Monte Morris

Monte Morris was 1st team All-Big 12 in 2017. In his NBA career, he is averaging 10.4 points, 4 assists, 2.5 rebounds and 47.9% from the field (38.9% 3PT), in 25.4 minutes per game. He will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason.

Related: Time for Timberwolves to Grow Up; Stop Crying About Refs

Morris recently returned to the Pistons’ rotation after missing most of the first half due to injury. In six total games this season, Monte is averaging 4.5 PPG and 1.3 APG in 11.3 minutes per game, since his return.

In 62 games for the Wizards in 2023 (61 starts), he averaged 10.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game, while maintaining shooting percentages of 48.0% overall and 38.2% from beyond the arc. Monte averaged nearly 30 minutes per game in his final season in Denver with Tim Connelly steering the ship.

Monte Morris knocking down the open three

pic.twitter.com/Msb6HYdvf8

— Pistons Talk (@Pistons__Talk) January 28, 2024

Related: Every Player the Wolves Have Been Linked to Leading Up to NBA Trade Deadline

Monte Morris knocking down the open three

pic.twitter.com/Msb6HYdvf8

— Pistons Talk (@Pistons__Talk) January 28, 2024

Minnesota Timberwolves Pushing Hard for Monte Morris

In an article released Monday by The Athletic, NBA insider James Edwards discussed potential trade scenarios for a struggling Detroit Pistons team ahead of the deadline. In his report, James says that of all teams who have checked in on Morris so far, it’s the Timberwolves who are currently showing the most interest.

“Rival teams continue to be interested in Pistons guard Monté Morris, per league sources. The Timberwolves are one of the teams with the most interest. Minnesota, per league sources, tried to trade for Morris when he was in Washington prior to Detroit. The Pistons, though, also value what Morris brings to the table as a veteran guard who takes care of the ball and can shoot. Morris just returned from injuries that forced him to miss the first 43 games of the season.”

James Edwards – The Athletic

Tim Connelly trying to buy low on former Nugget

Morris, who has recently returned to the Pistons rotation after being sidelined for most of the first half recovering from injury, has played in only six games this season. He’s averaged only 11.3 minutes per game, since his return, posting 4.5 PPG and 1.3 APG as he tries to find his rhythm again. Monte averaged nearly 30 minutes per game in his final season in Denver with Tim Connelly steering the ship.

A Monte Morris steal leads to an Ausar Thompson JAM!#DetroitBasketball pic.twitter.com/YguOuglYB7

— Bally Sports Detroit (@BallySportsDET) January 28, 2024

Related: Timberwolves Players Love Chris Finch and His Up-Front, Blunt Coaching Style

Acquiring the former Iowa State Cyclone would provide the Timberwolves with valuable depth at the point guard position, something they’re desperately searching for. One report over the weekend said Connelly has already tried offering FOUR 2nd round picks to the Washington Wizards point guard, and ‘one of us’, Tyus Jones.

Morris was selected with the 51st overall pick (2nd round) by the Denver Nuggets in the 2017 NBA draft and was 1st team All-Big 12 in 2017. In his NBA career, he is averaging 10.4 points, 4 assists, 2.5 rebounds and 47.9% from the field (38.9% 3PT), in 25.4 minutes per game.

Minnesota Timberwolves Monte Morris Trade Rumors

There has been some predictions, and some names thrown out there for the Timberwolves to target, but today on the Mackey and Judd Show, Darren Wolfson said specifically that president of basketball operations, Tim Connelly, is going after Detroit Pistons guard, Monte Morris, who played for Connelly in Denver. Wolfson has brought up Morris quite often as a possible target recently, but here he makes it official.

“The Wolves absolutely can finish top four. Then, to me, it comes down to matchups; first round of the playoffs, who do they match up against? But they will continue to make calls. Yeah, the trade deadline – two weeks from today – Monte Morris, Detroit Pistons guard, who Tim Connelly had in Denver. The Wolves tried to acquire him last summer, they will try again this time around.

He looked pretty good season debut last night, looked pretty good so just another name to keep an eye and I’m not saying it’s him or bust but we’re thinking about the possibility of adding and the Wolves realize the window is open you need to add I will be very very surprised if they don’t do something”

Related: If Kyle Lowry Hits the Buyout Market, Timberwolves are a Team to Watch

Morris returned to the court on Wednesday night for his season debut, after being sidelined for 43 games due to two injuries. In just 11 minutes off the bench, he contributed seven points, three rebounds and three assists; shooting 3-of-4 from the field, including one 3-pointer.

"He just knows how to play. He has his own pace… His pace to hold the guy off and create the pocket space for our bigs to catch – and then the threat of him knocking down the shot – is just huge for us."
– Monty Williams on @BigGameTae pic.twitter.com/QeZv1hr3f8

— Detroit Pistons (@DetroitPistons) January 25, 2024

Other Timberwolves Trade Rumors as Deadline Approaches

Last season, Morris played 62 games for the Wizards and starting in 61 of them. He averaged 10.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game, while maintaining shooting percentages of 48.0% overall and 38.2% from beyond the arc.

Wolfson mentioned its also not Morris or bust, there are plenty of solid players available on the trade market that make sense for the Timberwolves.