Mike Conley and Anthony Edwards, Timberwolves
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Mike Conley and Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves celebrate a basket against the Golden State Warriors.
After losing star guard Nickeil Walker-Alexander, the Minnesota Timberwolves could turn to a veteran free agent to stabilize their backcourt.
Bleacher Report salary cap expert Eric Pincus predicts that former Sixth Man of the Year Malcolm Brogdon could be the ideal, if risky, fit for Minnesota.
“Malcolm Brogdon is an experienced veteran guard who can defend and shoot, but he has struggled to stay healthy throughout much of his career,” Pincus wrote. “The Wizards are going with a young roster, but they also acquired CJ McCollum via trade and have no practical need for Brogdon. Several teams could use help at guard, such as the Minnesota Timberwolves, Golden State Warriors, Sacramento Kings and New York Knicks. Prediction: Brogdon joins the Timberwolves, giving support behind Mike Conley.”
Brogdon Draws Interest from Multiple Teams
Malcolm Brogdon, then of the Washington Wizards, soon to join the L.A. Clippers
GettyMalcolm Brogdon is on the Minnesota Timberwolves’ radar.
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Timberwolves are among eight teams expressing interest in the 32-year-old guard.
“League sources say that the Wizards are open to sign-and-trade discussions to facilitate Brogdon’s exit, and a slew of teams have registered varying levels of interest in the 32-year-old. That list includes the Clippers, Suns and Lakers as well as the Warriors, Timberwolves, Pelicans, Kings and Bucks,” Fischer reported in July.
Injury History Raises Concerns
Brogdon comes off a difficult season with the Washington Wizards, missing the final 28 games due to a left ankle sprain and playing in just 24 games overall. The 6-foot-5 guard averaged 12.7 points on 28.6% shooting from three-point range, along with 4.1 assists and 3.8 rebounds in 23.5 minutes per game.
Injuries have consistently limited Brogdon’s availability. He has not played more than 70 games in a season since his rookie campaign and appeared in only 63 games over the last two seasons after being traded from the Boston Celtics to the Portland Trail Blazers in 2023.
Potential Role with Timberwolves
When healthy, Brogdon provides a steady presence on both ends of the floor, with a 6-foot-10.5 wingspan that allows him to defend multiple positions.
With Minnesota, he could start alongside Anthony Edwards or serve as a backup to Conley. Paired with former Sixth Man of the Year Naz Reid, Brogdon could bolster the Timberwolves’ second unit.
Beasley Also on Radar, Likely Return to Detroit
Malik Beasley, Timberwolves
Getty The Minnesota Timberwolves look to bring back Malik Beasley.
While Brogdon is the primary target, Minnesota is also exploring the return of sharpshooting guard Malik Beasley. Beasley, a former Timberwolf and Sixth Man of the Year finalist, averaged 16.3 points off the bench last season with the Detroit Pistons and set a franchise record with 319 made three-pointers.
However, Pincus predicts Beasley will return to Detroit, citing financial considerations. Minnesota, New York, and Cleveland can only offer the veteran minimum, which Beasley is unlikely to accept, giving Detroit the upper hand despite its crowded roster.
Stabilizing Presence
Brogdon’s potential addition in Minnesota offers the Timberwolves a proven, if injury-prone, veteran to stabilize a young roster and support Edwards in the backcourt.
While questions remain about his health, Pincus’ prediction points to a scenario in which Brogdon joins Minnesota, adding experience and defensive versatility to a team aiming to make a deeper playoff run next season.