Less than a week after the NBA trade deadline passed, there are still some intriguing players available from the buyout market who could have the ability to make an impact for a number of teams.
Such players may not make a big impact, but they could provide viable depth, which can also indirectly have a positive impact by reducing the workload of several other players.
The Minnesota Timberwolves have the best record in the Western Conference at 38-16, and a growing number of people feel they’re true championship contenders. But they could still use some more scoring punch off the bench.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Marcus Morris, Minnesota Timberwolves Updates
Although nothing is official or imminent, they’re reportedly leaning toward signing veteran forward Marcus Morris.
Morris is a 13-year, 34-year-old veteran who most recently played for the Philadelphia 76ers this season. He was sent there by the Los Angeles Clippers a few months ago in the James Harden deal.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Marcus Morris, Minnesota Timberwolves Updates
He isn’t quite the player he used to be just a couple of years ago, but in 37 games with Philly, he averaged 6.7 points in 17.2 minutes a game while shooting 40.0 percent from 3-point range.
Minnesota is already second in the NBA in 3-point shooting percentage. But Morris could give it a bit of an additional boost in that department.
The Timberwolves lead the league in defensive rating, but they’re just 17th in offensive rating. Anthony Edwards is a rapidly rising star and Karl-Anthony Towns can score inside and outside, but they have a lack of other players who can get their own shot.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Marcus Morris, Minnesota Timberwolves Updates
If Morris is spry enough, perhaps he could also give them some shot creation in somewhat limited minutes. He may not make the type of impact he made on the Clippers in the recent past, but he could buttress what is already a strong Minnesota frontcourt while giving it a slightly different skill set than it currently has.
