If Khris Middleton hits the open market, the Minnesota Timberwolves will almost certainly put in a bid. Not only could the former Milwaukee Bucks forward help them in the present, given their need for any adequate small forward depth, but bringing in Middleton could also catch Giannis Antetokounmpo's eye after the Timberwolves' interest in the Greek Freak was clear at the trade deadline.
Timberwolves would be a justifiable Khris Middleton suitor
First and foremost, it's not a guarantee that Middleton will even be bought out. Per insider Marc Stein (subscription required), the Dallas Mavericks are leaving it up to Middleton whether or not he wants to hit the open market. Given that Dallas is out of the Play-In picture, one would think Middleton will look to head elsewhere if he wants to chase a title this season.
If so, Minnesota offers him that opportunity.
At 35-23, Minnesota currently sits sixth in the Western Conference and is just one game out of third place. The Timberwolves are absolutely still in the title hunt, and while adding Middleton would not be a difference-maker, he could certainly help. Jaylen Clark and Terrence Shannon Jr. have been giving Minnesota minutes off the bench, but Middleton would be an upgrade from a production standpoint.
In the playoffs, having a big shot taker (and maker) of Middleton's caliber is something every single team would love to have.
Of course, then there's the elephant in the room: Minnesota's interest in Giannis. This past deadline, they were frantically trying to acquire the Greek Freak to pair him with Anthony Edwards. A deal didn't go through, but talks will almost certainly pick up again this summer. If the Timberwolves were to sign Middleton now, they would have a foot in the door to keep him this summer, which could be big.
The Timberwolves, with Khris Middleton in the picture, could only add to Minnesota's very real appeal to Giannis. Per NBA insider Chris Haynes, Giannis would have been "thrilled" to team up with All-Star guard Anthony Edwards in Minnesota. The thought of teaming up with Edwards and Middleton, the forward's former running mate and championship co-star, would only add to that desirability.
Essentially, Minnesota knocks out two birds with one stone, beefing up their current roster while also bringing in someone who could make their pitch to Giannis stronger. The Timberwolves should keep their fingers crossed, hoping that Khris Middleton wants a change of scenary this season.
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