Timberwolves Should Look Into Signing Andre Drummond This Offseason

Mar 31, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) works around Chicago Bulls center Andre Drummond (3) during the first half at Target Center. Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

As the Minnesota Timberwolves look to build on last season's success—arguably the best in franchise history—they face limited cap flexibility this offseason. However, they can utilize the Mid-Level Exception (MLE) to bolster their roster. One player to watch is big man Andre Drummond.

Drummond, 30, has played for several teams since his early career with the Detroit Pistons, but he has re-established himself with Chicago over the past two seasons. Coming off the bench for the Bulls, he averaged 7.3 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 1.3 steals/blocks per game, shooting 57.4% from the field.

While Minnesota will likely focus on adding shooting this offseason, they also need to bolster their bench depth, particularly with a strong rebounder. During the Western Conference Finals, Dallas consistently out-rebounded them, especially when Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns were off the court. 

Both Naz Reid and Kyle Anderson contributed significantly off the bench for the team last season, but neither excels particularly in rebounding. Reid is recognized for his offensive skills, while Anderson is known for his defense and playmaking abilities.

Adding Drummond to a bench that includes Reid, along with bringing back Gobert and KAT, could arguably create the best frontcourt in the NBA when considering both starters and bench contributors. Drummond would seamlessly fit with the team's core values of defense and physicality, and he would complement a championship-contending roster.

Drummond is likely to cost around $9-$10 million on a 1-2 year deal, aligning well with the team's current core. With Towns (28), Gobert (31), and Conley (37) not expected to be part of the team's long-term plans, but rather within a 2-3 year window, bringing in a player like Drummond could be a smart move.

Bringing in Drummond could be challenging, but once arbitration is settled between Glen Taylor and Marc Lore/Alex Rodriguez, the new owner is expected to pay the $100 million luxury tax for next season, surpassing the second apron. The team is not expected to cut payroll and instead aims to build on their 2023-24 success.