One by one many of the higher-profile big men available in NBA free agency have come off the board.
Perhaps being prudent, clearly being patient, the Wolves let another day of the league's negotiation period pass without reaching an agreement on any contract.
Meanwhile, players keep moving on. The biggest deal of the day was Al Horford agreeing to a four-year, $113 million deal to go to Boston.
According to reports, Luol Deng — contacted by the Wolves shortly after the process began late Thursday — went to the Los Angeles Lakers for a reported four-year, $72 million. Then throughout the day, others:
Ryan Anderson went to Houston for $80 million over four years. Bismack Biyombo went to Orlando (four years, $72 million). Marvin Williams agreed to stay in Charlotte (four years, $54.5 million).
The Wolves, who entered free agency with needs at power forward, perimeter shooting and bench depth, may have to settle for a handful of lesser deals; the NBA announced a 2016-17 salary cap of $94.143 million, which means every team has to spend at least $84.729 million to reach the salary floor. That means the Wolves have to spend just over $17 million.
One high-profile name still available is 35-year-old Pau Gasol, a player in whom the Wolves have reportedly shown interest. But it appears Gasol, a slick-passing forward/center, is more likely to go to a contending team. Reports had Portland making a run at him, and San Antonio would likely have interest if the Spurs are unable to land Kevin Durant.
Brooklyn backup Willie Reed is among big men still available after Indiana backup center Ian Mahinmi struck a four-year, $64 million deal with Washington.
