The Minnesota Timberwolves can't seem to escape the San Antonio Spurs. Of course, they lost in the second-round of the playoffs to the Spurs, who are well-positioned as a title threat (and a thorn in Minnesota's side) for the foreseeable future.
And on day two of free agency, the Spurs delivered another gut punch to the Wolves by signing veteran power forward Tobias Harris to a two-year, $31 million deal. The Wolves desperately need a power forward, and Harris is yet another player they can cross off their list.
The Spurs signing Harris isn't shocking, but it still hurts
Honestly, it shouldn't be a shocker that the Spurs sniped one of the Wolves' possible targets. With only the veteran minimum at their disposal, the Wolves are in a difficult spot. Signing Harris was never likely in any sense of the word.
Conversely, the Spurs had access to the non-taxpayer mid-level exception. Given their own need for a power forward and general frontcourt size alongside Victor Wembanyama, it makes sense why they'd go after Harris.
While this move isn't a shocker and the Wolves couldn't afford Harris, it still stings to see one of their top rivals ink a deal with a player who could have been an ideal fit on their roster.
The Spurs already had a strong chance to win the Western Conference again, and signing Harris only bolsters their chances, and he fills a major roster need for them.
In the NBA Finals, the Spurs' subpar depth, specifically at the forward position, got exposed. Harris essentially gives them a higher-end version of Harrison Barnes. In turn, their depth and forward room are significantly stronger after adding Harris.
Despite some of their roster flaws, the Spurs beat the Timberwolves in six games, with three of these wins coming by a margin of 20 or more points. While the addition of LaMelo Ball can help the Wolves move closer to the Spurs, it's still clear they need to improve, and their forward depth is a chief concern.
Surprises can happen, but it's becoming increasingly challenging to find a clear-cut PF target for the Timberwolves. Kenrich Williams and Marvin Bagley seemingly could be minimum targets. However, could they earn above a minimum contract elsewhere? That feels at least possible to me.
Now, the Wolves aren't out of options. Exploring the trade market for Josh Green (and possibly even packaging him with Terrence Shannon Jr.) could prove to be worthwhile. Exercising the waive-and- stretch provision for Green to create some extra cap space could be another option.
Regardless, the Spurs signing Harris should give the Timberwolves some extra urgency to add a power forward, and it certainly will make life in the West even more challenging next year.
