The Minnesota Timberwolves are going to welcome back guard Shabazz Muhammad. According to reports, both sides agreed to a one-year deal that will earn Muhammad the veteran's minimum ($1.6 million). The 24-year-old entered this year's offseason as a restricted free agent. However, in July, he became an unrestricted free agent after the Timberwolves rescinded their rights to him. It was a move that helped them free some space in their salary cap to sign key free agents.
Following Muhammad's brief split with the Timberwolves, he went to seek a lucrative multi-year deal.
Unfortunately, he found none and ended up staying on the free agency market longer than expected. Now, he is returning to Minnesota to help the new-look Timberwolves end their playoff drought. The team failed to reach the postseason for the past 13 years. The last time the Timberwolves were in the playoffs was during the 2003-04 season when they made it all the way to the Western Conference Finals.
Vague role
In Muhammad's impending comeback to Minnesota, it is uncertain what position he will play. He is a shooting guard in his first four seasons with the Timberwolves, but they added two prominent names this offseason who are likely taking most of the minutes at the position. These are All-Star Jimmy Butler and three-time Sixth Man of the Year Jamal Crawford.
Butler will take the starting job, while Crawford is going to be his backup. This scenario leaves Muhammad the third man on the depth chart at the position. It means fewer playing minutes, that can contribute significantly to the continuous decline in his performance.
It is possible that Timberwolves head coach Tom Thibodeau will move Muhammad to the small forward position.
Though even at No. 3, it is unlikely for him to be the first option because of Andrew Wiggins. As of the moment, it is undetermined what Muhammad's role is. The only sure thing is that he will be part of the second unit.
Jason Terry out
Before the agreement with Muhammad, the Timberwolves reportedly met and worked out Jason Terry.
Now that Muhammad is rejoining the organization, Terry may no longer get one of the remaining spots on Minnesota's roster. The 39-year-old veteran is also a shooting guard. If the Timberwolves pursue signing him, they have four players at the position, which might be too much. It is good for depth and veteran leadership, though it could be a problem in the long run.
