Minnesota brought four players to camp on non-guaranteed deals, and one of them fits what this roster needs more than the rest.
The Minnesota Timberwolves have 14 players on standard contracts heading into training camp, which leaves one open spot on the 15-man roster.
Four players will show up this week hoping to take it.
Forward KJ Martin, forward Drew Timme, guard Antonio Reeves and forward Norchad Omier all signed Exhibit 10 deals, and camp opens Tuesday after media day on Monday.
The Four Players in the Mix
Timme played 27 games for the Los Angeles Lakers last season and averaged 3.4 points, but defense is a major weakness for him.
Reeves is a shooter first, and he made 39.5% of his threes in 44 games with New Orleans in 2024-25 before spending last season on a two-way deal with Charlotte.
Omier played six games for the Los Angeles Clippers last season, and CBS Sports reported that he averaged 18.3 points and 11.5 rebounds in the G League.
Martin has the most NBA experience by far, with 309 career games and 8.6 points per game, and he spent last season playing in China.
Minnesota already signed Martin and Timme to camp deals this week, and both have a real shot.
Timme and Reeves are probably the favorites, while Omier gives the coaches another option to look at.
Timme, Omier and Reeves are all eligible for two-way deals, so the team could keep one of them around even if he misses the cut.
Martin Should Get the Spot
Martin is the right choice, and the reason starts with what Minnesota lost this summer.
The Timberwolves traded away Julius Randle and Naz Reid this summer, and that left a clear need in the frontcourt behind the starters.
Those trades, along with moving guard Josh Green, left Minnesota $4.6 million below the second apron, which is why adding a 15th player is even possible.
Martin's athleticism, motor and defense let him guard down a position, and that his vertical pop makes him a strong fit next to guard LaMelo Ball.
The injury to guard Donte DiVincenzo also matters here.
He tore his right Achilles in April during the first round against Denver, and CBS Sports reported he will likely miss most or all of this season.
That opens up minutes on the wing, and Martin is more ready to handle them than Timme or Omier.
Finch Might Keep It Open
There is a chance nobody wins the job.
Head coach Chris Finch went on WCCO radio on Thursday and said the team may not sign another player at all.
"I think we are going to hold tight," Finch said, according to SI.
He also said the team likes having flexibility and feels it has enough right now.
That is fair, since the Wolves went 49-33 last season and reached the second round, and some people wanted a veteran reunion instead.
Still, a 15th player who can defend and run the floor is worth more than an empty seat.
If Martin plays well in the preseason, which starts Oct. 5 at Milwaukee, Minnesota should give him the spot.
