Golden State acquires Kyle Anderson in sign-and-trade with Timberwolves
Tim Connelly noted the day after the season’s conclusion that one of Minnesota’s top priorities this offseason was to sign its own free agents.
The biggest one on the board is heading elsewhere.
Kyle Anderson agreed to a three-year, $27 million deal with the Golden State Warriors, per reports. Anderson will go to Golden State via a sign-and-trade deal in which Minnesota will receive cash and a future second-round pick.
The 31-year-old forward was the only member of Minnesota’s nine-man regular rotation not under team control for the upcoming season.
Veteran guard Monte Morris also left via free-agency, reportedly agreeing to a deal with Phoenix.
Jordan McLaughlin is the most significant free agent of Minnesota’s who has yet to agree to a deal. His return — while potentially unlikely — would sure up Minnesota’s point-guard rotation behind Mike Conley and new draft pick Rob Dillingham.
Anderson is touted as one of the best free-agent signings in Wolves history. He was imperative for keeping the ship afloat a season ago when a calf injury took out Karl-Anthony Towns for most of the campaign. This year wasn’t Anderson’s best as he adapted to playing small forward and battled vision issues.
Anderson was beloved and trusted by Wolves coach Chris Finch.
After the season, Anderson said he wanted to be back with the Wolves. He noted how well his family had settled here. And the Wolves wanted him back. But with a luxury tax bill already building, bringing the veteran back at a number like the one Golden State offered him simply wasn’t feasible.
“He’s not just a great player. He’s a great guy,” Connelly said after the season. “His voice and his toughness is hugely important to who we are.”
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