Timberwolves Lose Their Backup Point Guard to Western Conference Rival

NBA free agency is in full swing, but all has been mostly quiet for the Minnesota Timberwolves. With a nearly complete roster and limited flexibility, due to tight salary cap luxury tax constraints, the team has very few options for making significant moves.

The Wolves were able to return Luka Garza on a two-year minimum contract but they are facing the likely loss of several others to the free agency. Kyle Anderson is unlikely to come back. Same with Jordan McLaughlin. And we found out on Tuesday, neither is Monte Morris, who was probably the best player of the three.

Minnesota Timberwolves lose Monte Morris to the Phoenix Suns

Monte Morris signing in with the Phoenix Suns for the league minimum tells us that a couple things. Many thought he’d spurn the Timberwolves, in favor of more money.

Instead, he took a minimum deal to play for a Western Conference rival contender. The bright side of it, Connelly acquired Morris for two bench players who weren’t helping the cause, and a second-round pick. Still, the juice wasn’t worth the squeeze.

Related: Timberwolves Have Reported Interest in Trading for Blossoming Utah Jazz All-Star Forward

Minnesota traded for Monte Morris at the 2023-24 deadline. He played 27 games in a Timberwolves uniform, but never really provided the shooting or scoring pump that Connelly hoped, when he made the deal. Morris logged around 15 minutes per game, averaging just over 5 points and 2.3 assists per game.

Monte’s disinterest in re-signing with the Timberwolves could have had something to do with the roster already housing Mike Conley and the No. 8 overall draft pick from last week, Kentucky’s Rob Dillingham. Now, they could be relying on the latter even more than previously hoped.

More must-reads:

• Timberwolves Sign and Trade Kyle Anderson to Golden State
• Luka Garza is Somehow Returning to the Minnesota Timberwolves
• Tim Connelly Had Head Execs from Other Local Teams Helping in Timberwolves Draft Room

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