Veteran forward Rondae Hollis-Jefferson will be among the players waived by the Timberwolves in advance of the regular season, sources tell Shams Charania and Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic (Twitter link).
While most of today’s roster cuts are moves that had been anticipated, Hollis-Jefferson’s release comes as a surprise. He had played fairly well in three preseason games – including a 17-point outburst on 6-of-6 shooting on Monday – and the Wolves aren’t exactly loaded with depth at the power forward spot.
According to Krawczynski (Twitter link), the decision to part ways with Hollis-Jefferson is a “flexibility play” for the Wolves, who will enter the season with an open roster spot. Krawczynski hears that there’s a possibility Minnesota will bring back RHJ at a later date, but for now the club wants to keep that 15th spot open in case an injury replacement is required or an opportunity for a two-for-one trade arises.
Hollis-Jefferson, who will turn 26 next month, played for the Raptors last season, providing energy and defense off the bench. He averaged 7.0 PPG and 4.7 RPG in 60 games (18.7 MPG) for Toronto.
Since Hollis-Jefferson was on a non-guaranteed one-year, minimum-salary contract, a team with interest would be able to claim him off waivers on Monday using the minimum salary exception. If he goes unclaimed, he’ll return to the free agent market.
The Timberwolves will have to cut a few more players – likely Tyler Cook, Zylan Cheatham, and Charlie Brown Jr. – to set their regular season roster.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Bummer, I don’t know who they could have cut instead but I wish we had room for him.
they could’ve cut kelan Martin who is barely 1 year younger at 25 and is absolute dogwater so idkw they cut rhj
Kelan Martin signed with the Pacers this offseason
So he comes into camp, plays well and gets cut for…an empty chair at the end of the bench?! Weird.
I mean he sucks at shooting but I really think he does enough other things well to be a solid bench contributor in this league for somebody.
RHJ comes in plays his but off, gets applauded by his team mates (Josh Okogie) for his energy and defence. The big knock on him is his shooting and in his first outing he goes 6-6 for 17 points proving he can overcome his weaknesses and wants to be here. At only 25 for a young team trying to make the playoffs he suits them perfectly, it’s not like he’s in his thirties.
Then what do they do cut him.
I really can’t see the TWolves making the playoffs.
At PF they only have Hernagomez who is a liability, behind KAT they lack depth. There whole roster lacks experience and leadership. The only good defenders they have all play the 2 position.
Teams like the Blazers, GSW, Pelicans, Suns, Jazz and Mavs are all better and make better decisions
You mean RHJ would take them into Playoffs?)))
Only OKC will be lower than wolves this season.
He wouldn’t take them to the playoff obviously but at 25 and with his skill set he would be an asset to them. I didn’t think the Wolves would make the playoff regardless of RHJ
RHJ isn’t & will never ever be considered an asset anywhere he goes, as simple as!
Dude ain’t that good, why do you think every year he struggles to get a team & stick around?
Let’s compare him to Hernagomez.
RHJ best season 14-7-2.5 in 28 minutes while being a great defender.
Hernagomez best season 13-7-1.3 in 29 minutes while being a bad defender.
RHJ also averages twice as many blocks and steals per game than Hernagomez.
Yet Hernagomez got what a 3 year 21 mil deal and RHJ was happy to stay on the vets minimum.
For a team that lacks depth and defenders at that position it looked a no brainer to keep RHJ
Jazz, Mavs and Blazers are not only better but much better.
Much better yes
While the Warriors and Suns are just slightly better.
Wolves are a clueless franchise…
Since 1989….
I guess D-Lo doesn’t have enough pull yet to get the T-Wolves to keep his guy. Too bad. For all his shortcomings offensively, RHJ can defend 5 positions which is 5 more than most of the current squad
Get him Kings.
Y’all guys settle down!
Y’all talkin’ like this guy is a franchise changer or some sort of star, I mean he was on a camp contract simply ’cause not a single team in the league wants him, so he can’t be that good, right?
He should come to Philly, he’s got family (I used to work with his cousin) in the area. I would feel much better giving him 12-16 minutes a night than Mike Scott. Make it happen Morey
This is surprising – heard Hollinger rave about this guy as a steal for the minimum on a podcast not too long ago. Wonder if there’s something going on w/ him that’s not being reported
Don’t worry about Jefferson, George has a spot for him in the Dry Cleaning Business !!
Too bad they got rid of their COOK, guess they’ll all be eating Takeout !!
Now CHEATHAM can get back to his Investment Business as the #2 with DEWEY and HOWE!!
Not surprised at the departure of Charley Brown; his athletic ability was COMICAL – he couldn’t even kick a Football !!
Sad to hear RHJ getting waived by the Timberwolves. I think he would be a solid asset for the Sixers. His defense, and energy would help the Sixers get to the next level.