Tom Thibodeau is getting the band back together.
First, he traded for Jimmy Butler.
Now he’s adding Taj Gibson to the Timberwolves, something first reported by Michael Scotto of Basketball Insiders, later confirmed by other sources.
Sources: Minnesota Timberwolves and Taj Gibson have agreed to a 2-year, $28 million deal.
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) July 2, 2017
That salary fits into the Timberwolves remaining cap space.
While Minnesota could really use a stretch four to go with Karl-Anthony Towns (Towns can shoot from deep, but he is the only Minny big who can), Gibson is a solid veteran point who can come off the bench for 20 to 25 minutes a night and play good defense (people forget he has a 7'4" wingspan), get rebounds, and score a little from the post. He’s a throwback, old-school power forward that is tough and in the Thibs mold, and while his game has declined a little the last few years he’s still solid when in there. Gorgui Dieng likely still starts, and when his foot gets right Nemanja Bjelica needs to get some minutes at the four, but Gibson will be quality third big who can stabilize things when in there.
Just as importantly, Gibson also is a high character guy loved by other players in the locker room — exactly the kind of player the Timberwolves want around Towns.
The price tag at $14 million seems a little high, but since it’s just a two-year deal it is fine (any longer would have been an issue).
