How the Timberwolves Solve the Power Forward “Problem”

Ever since the Lamelo Ball trade (which remains yet to be completed), Timberwolves fans have been focused on one question:

Will LeBron James be coming to Minnesota?

The answer is obviously yes, as he will inevitably play either for or against the Wolves at some point in the coming season, his record-setting 24th (how?) season. Whether LeBron is on the way or not, the Wolves have a massive hole at power forward.

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James on a minimum deal would undoubtedly be the best solution to that problem (and arguably the most valuable contract the league has ever seen). Let’s go through the other options, inspired by the tweet by Wolves Wire.

Before we hop into that, let’s start with the on-roster options.

It seems like the Wolves plan on playing Jaden McDaniels at the four, despite the fact that the majority of his career has been at the three. This would leave an open spot on the wing, instead of in the front court, which can be filled by trade throw-in Josh Green or an unexpected leap from one of TJ Shannon or (the more likely option in my opinion) Jaylen Clark.

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The depth behind this stack would still be abysmal, with Ayo Dosumnu and Joan Beringer, the assumed sixth and seventh men off the bench, being either too small or too big to fill in at that other forward position.

If we discard the idea of playing Jaden out of his most common position, then the options become far crazier and weirder.

Some have been comparing TJ Shannon’s athletic profile to former Ball teammate (and forever hatewatch member) Miles Bridges, although Shannon was last listed 20 lbs below Bridges and does not have the same burly body type that has allowed the undersized swingman to feast off of Lamelo’s creation abilities.

There was also a report that prompted the question of whether Beringer could play alongside Gobert. I would pretty decidedly say no, and that any question that returns a team with two of the best off the dribble volume three point shooters to a world in which that is their *only* option must be rejected wholeheartedly.

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That leaves just yesterday’s signee, Trey Lyles, which… You know what, man, never…

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Publish date : 2026-07-05 12:00:00

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