Reports: Wolves 'prepared to lose' Kyle Anderson; interest in Joe Ingles

Minnesota might not be able to re-sign Anderson this offseason.

May 22, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kyle Anderson (1) warms up before the game against the Dallas Mavericks during game one of the western conference finals for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports / Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

NBA free agency officially opened on Sunday, but news has been quiet in Minnesota. One of the Timberwolves' biggest free agents this offseason is Kyle Anderson, and both sides might not be seeing eye-to-eye on a new contract.

"Kyle Anderson is another forward who will pursue the full mid-level exception, and the Timberwolves are prepared to lose their versatile veteran on the open market," writes Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports.

Despite a luxury tax bill expected to be more than $80 million after the NBA draft, the Timberwolves have the option to re-sign Anderson at any price they would want. Fischer's report makes it seem that they do not want to pay the full mid-level exception, which would be more than $5 million.

Anderson averaged 6.4 points, 3.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists in 22.6 minutes per game last season with the Wolves. If the 31-year-old is out the door in Minnesota, the next question is how Minnesota will replace Anderson and will they look to bring back free agents Monte Morris, Jordan McLaughlin and Luka Garza?

One name that has been floated around is Joe Ingles. The Australian native played with both Mike Conley Jr. and Rudy Gobert in Utah. He will turn 38 in October, but he is a career 41% 3-point shooter on high volume (4.2 attempts per game).

Hearing Minnesota has some interest in Joe Ingles who shot 43.5% from 3 this season. Veteran ball handler who can shoot it well. Has ties with Conley and Gobert from Utah.

— Evan Porter (@EvanPorterNBA) June 30, 2024

It was reported last week that despite the ongoing ownership dispute, the Timberwolves are more than willing to pay the luxury tax bill to keep their roster intact for the 2024-25 season. Are they willing to pay the estimated $80 million luxury tax bill or a smaller aount? We'll get answers to those questions in due time...