The Minnesota Timberwolves have made a plethora of moves over the past week or two to prepare for training camp, which opens next week. While most of the recent moves were made for their G-League squad, the Iowa Wolves, the Wolves added two players late last night to compete for the final roster slot on their 15-man roster.
According to Michael Scotto of Hoophype, Minnesota signed Drew Timme and KJ Martin to Exhibit 10 deals late last night. Scotto added that both players will compete for a roster spot during training camp.
Los Angeles Lakers forward Drew Timme (17) drives past Golden State Warriors guard Seth Curry (31) in the second quarter at the Chase Center. Photo Credit: Cary Edmondson, Imagn Images via Reuters Connect
Timme is entering his fourth NBA season after spending last year with the Los Angeles Lakers on a two-way deal. Timme is a highly skilled big man who is efficient in the post and an outstanding rebounder, and has developed into a real perimeter threat, splitting last season between the Lakers and the South Bay Lakers. He averaged 3.4 points and 1.2 rebounds over nine minutes of action with shooting splits of 57.6/44.0/55.6 for Los Angeles last year.
Martin has appeared in 309 NBA games over five seasons. Martin is an elite athlete who excels in transition and finishing at the rim. The 25-year-old spent this past season with the Ningbo Rockets of the Chinese Basketball Association, averaging 8.0 points on 61.4% shooting from the field and 3.8 rebounds in 23 games.
While Timme and Martin are the newest additions, Minnesota has a full training camp roster with Antonio Reeves and Norchad Omier also on Exhibit 10 deals.
Reeves is entering his third NBA season. The 25-year-old is an elite movement shooter who is efficient from deep, draining 1.1 threes per game over 54 NBA games at 40.8% from the 3-point line. He has flashed three-level scoring in the G-League and possesses outstanding size.
Reeves, the No. 47 pick of the Orlando Magic in 2024, was with the Charlotte Hornets last year on a two-way deal. While Reeves spent most of his time with the G-League's Greensboro Swarm, he did make 10 appearances with the Hornets — compiling 2.7 points in 7 minutes over those appearances, with shooting splits of 50/53.8/00.0. He spent this past summer with the Chicago Bulls .
Omier is entering his second professional season. Omier is a physical interior presence — at 6-7 and 248 pounds — with a high motor and thriving in transition and on the offensive glass. He is also solid defensively and on the defensive glass.
Omier, who went undrafted, split time this past season between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Los Angeles Clippers . After starting the season with the G-League Cleveland Charge before signing a two-way deal with the Clippers. He ended up playing seven games with the San Diego Clippers and made six appearances for Los Angeles. Then this summer, he played for the Clippers, averaging 10.6 points on 58.3% shooting and 9.8 rebounds (5.0 offensive).
Minnesota has completely retooled its roster this summer despite only adding five newcomers. By trading Julius Randle , Naz Reid , and Josh Green (late in the offseason), the Timberwolves were able to create some flexibility. As a result, the Timberwolves are $4.6 million below the second apron and can add a 15th player.
The Timberwolves' biggest remaining need is frontcourt depth. The Wolves could also use another shooter, with Donte DiVincenzo likely to miss the season , which is why Timme and Reeves project as the favorites for the last spot.
Timme is a true fit for the Wolves, as he can theoretically replace Randle given his scoring and passing skills. Timme possesses the size that the Wolves need on the interior, is outstanding operating at the elbows, and also has shown the ability to stretch the floor — which Rudy Gobert , Joan Beringer, and Rocco Zikarsky can't. However, defense is a major weakness for him.
Reeves is also an outstanding fit for the Wolves with DiVincenzo sidelined, as he gives them a catch-and-shoot sniper off the bench. But he doesn't do much else and is only average on defense.
Martin is better suited on the wing, but his athleticism, motor, and defensive ability allow him to guard down a position. He is an outstanding fit alongside Ball due to his vertical pop. So, if Timme shows he can't handle things defensively, it could open the door for Martin. Meanwhile, Omier is a Reid clone.
Timme, Omier, and Reeves are eligible for two-way deals. So, it is possible that if Zikarsky or Enrique Freeman impresses the Wolves during camp, they will be promoted to a standard contract. Thus, opening a two-way spot. On the same token, it is possible that Omier, Timme, or Reeves straight beat out Zikarsky, Freeman, or Zyon Pullin .
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Photo Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn, Imagn Images via Reuters Connect
