Minnesota

Timberwolves

While Edwards is coming off the best season of his NBA career and recently signed a max extension worth $260 million over five years, there are still steps to take in his quest to be among the best players in the NBA. In the eyes of his coach, Ant-Man still has room for growth regarding the decisions he makes with the ball in his hands. “How do you manipulate the game with the ball in your hands. How do you read the defense,” Finch said when asked about areas in which Edwards needs to improve. “How do you understand this is what the defense is going to do to me? How do I best use it to our advantage? Maybe slowing down a little bit, processing a little bit earlier in the possession.” Mike Conley is the Timberwolves’ starting point guard, but there are many times throughout the course of games in which Edwards serves as the primary ballhandler. Getting even more time on the ball would only enhance his fantasy value, especially if he improves as a decision-maker.

Miller slipped to the second round, and Minnesota may have gotten quite the steal. He’s a talented, tall wing player that shined in his Summer League debut, and he has so much upside for fantasy basketball. Minnesota has a win-now team, so Miller may struggle to get on the court as rookie, but he’s certainly worth stashing in dynasty formats.

Ant Man is one of the NBA’s brightest young stars, and he’ll be with Minnesota as the team’s franchise centerpiece for years to come. Edwards averaged career-bests in points (24.6), rebounds (5.8), assists (4.4), steals (1.6) blocks (0.7) and FG% (45.9) last season, and he’ll look to take another step forward in Year 4.

While he’s certainly had his moments as a pro, providing consistent fantasy value has proven difficult for Alexander-Walker. That said, the new contract is a clear sign that he’s valued in Minnesota. He appeared in 59 games last season, ranking well outside the top 300 in 8- and 9-cat formats. The new deal may be what opens the door for NAW to earn enough playing time to be of value in deeper fantasy leagues.

After struggling to play consistent minutes in Philadelphia, Milton is headed to Minnesota. The move west gives him a shot at earning consistent rotation minutes, but this is a rotation headlined by Mike Conley and Anthony Edwards, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker was re-signing and Jordan McLaughlin is also under contract. While Milton should be in the rotation, he’s unlikely to be a difference-maker in most fantasy leagues.

After appearing in 76 games during his lone season with the Lakers, Brown is headed to Minnesota. Starting 45 of those appearances, he averaged 7.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 0.8 steals, and 1.4 3-pointers in 24.5 minutes per game, shooting just over 38% from three. Brown will give the Timberwolves additional depth on the wings but is not a player fantasy managers should focus on in drafts.

Clark, who was selected with the 53rd overall pick in last week’s draft, injured his right Achilles tendon during UCLA’s final game of the regular season. While he did not have his injured foot in a protective boot Monday, the rookie wing is a ways off from being healthy enough to play. According to Clark, it will take anywhere between seven and eight months for him to be a full go. For that reason, dynasty managers would be best served to leave him alone for now, but Clark is good enough defensively to carve out a rotation spot once healthy.

Reid was expected to be a coveted free agent after shining when Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert missed time last season. Instead, he’ll remain in Minnesota for at least two more seasons, as he has a player option on the final year. Reid will continue to be a great streaming option when he gets to start, but unless the Wolves plan on moving either KAT or Gobert, Reid’s value will be capped.

Clark’s draft value took a significant hit during the final regular season game of his junior year at UCLA, as he suffered an Achilles injury. While he may not be an elite scorer, the 6-foot-5 wing is one of the best defenders in this draft class. Clark has the athleticism and size needed to defend any of the three perimeter positions, and offensively he made strides as an overall scorer and shooter as a junior. The defensive end of the floor will be his calling card at the start, with the hope being that Clark can evolve into a true 3-and-D wing. He may end up spending the majority of his rookie season in the G-League, but he could end up being a valuable defender for Minnesota long term.

Edwards is one of the brightest young stars in the league, so it shouldn’t be surprising that he’ll suit up for Team USA in August. After being a solid player at times last season, Reaves broke out for the Lakers and shined in the postseason for them, which clearly vaulted him into contention for a spot to represent the country. Portis has been a key bench piece for the Bucks over the last couple of seasons, and he’ll likely play a similar role for them in the tournament. Reports from last October indicated that Trae Young and Bradley Beal could also play for Team USA. We’ll see who Grant Hill and Steve Kerr fill out this team with as their training camp approaches in August.