The Minnesota Timberwolves are mired in yet another terrible season. They have the worst record in the NBA at 7-29, the only organization that has yet to win double-digit games this season. That resulted in the firing of head coach Ryan Saunders and hiring Toronto Raptors’ assistant coach Chris Finch almost immediately.
Even that move was met with some skepticism, as Finch was hired less than 24 hours after the firing of Saunders was announced. The decision has raised some cause for concern, as many had hoped David Vanterpool, an assistant for the Timberwolves, would receive a chance to be at least the interim head coach.
One thing is clear, however. Whoever the head coach for the Timberwolves is in for a long remainder of the season. The team just isn’t very good, especially with point guard D’Angelo Russell sidelined as he recovers from knee surgery. Karl-Anthony Towns has also missed time because of injury and testing positive for COVID-19. Alas, there could be some help on the way.
Despite the postseason looking like a longshot this season, as Minnesota is already 11.5 games behind the 10th seeded Memphis Grizzlies, the Timberwolves are in the market for some roster upgrades.
According to Shams Charania, of the subscription-based The Athletic, the Timberwolves are looking to upgrade their power forward spot with John Collins and Aaron Gordon being their targets.
While both players will have high asking prices, Minnesota is desperately in need of a talent infusion and could decide this is worth the risk. Collins, who is entering restricted free agency, has butted heads with Atlanta Hawks point guard Trae Young at times this season. He also turned down a contract extension from the team.
Gordon is under contract through next season and is currently dealing with a severe ankle sprain. Charania reported that Minnesota and the Orlando Magic had been engaged in substantive talks revolved around Gordon before his injury. He expects those talks to pick up again once Gordon is closer to a return.
While both plates would represent an upgrade at the position for Minnesota, it is up for debate how much they’d help. The Timberwolves need a complete overhaul, especially on the defensive side of the ball, something John Collins and Aaron Gordon have not helped much at throughout their careers.
