NBA Free Agency: Kyle Anderson Departs to Golden State

We’re here to talk about Slow Mo, but in reality, I want to reverse the tape.

The Minnesota Timberwolves will not be bringing back versatile forward Kyle Anderson after two years with the team. Instead, he will be joining the Golden State Warriors on a three-year, $27 million contract. Despite mutual interest in returning, the Wolves could simply not go that high in value with the state of their cap.

Slow Mo will be signed and traded to the Warriors for a future second round pick swap and cash, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN:

Despite how it may seem, the Wolves cannot use the trade exception coming from Golden State because they are over the second apron.

Anderson had fallen out of favor with Wolves fans after his first year found him in all of our hearts. While Kyle’s characteristic intelligence, defense, and leadership were all in effect, his offensive game, especially his shooting, took a huge step back. Despite all of this, he was still one of coach Chris Finch’s favorites and an absolute linchpin of the rotation. His loss should not be underrated.

Some have characterized Slow Mo as a training wheels player due to his general approach and strengths, but it became clear that his ability to push decent teams to their bests was not capped at any maximum level. Love him or hate him, Anderson has been a part of arguably the most successful two-year span in Wolves history.

With Kyle’s exit, eyes now turn to the Wolves’ past two second round picks. Power forward Josh Minott and Leonard Miller have not had the opportunity to contribute outside of Iowa or garbage time, but will now likely be expected to take up Anderson’s spot in the rotation. Minott, in particular, has not cracked the rotation since being drafted in 2022, but should finally get his chance at the role. Miller is likely still a year away due to defensive shortcomings in the G League.

Outside of resigning Luka Garza to a two-year minimum contract, the Wolves have still not made any moves since the draft saw them aggressively trade up for guard Rob Dillingham and take Illinois’ Terrance Shannon Jr. The roster still lacks depth, but is likely depending on internal improvements from the core four to get better.