The Timberwolves probably will sign veteran wing Lance Stephenson to a 10-day contract, but they haven’t yet.
The Vertical’s Shams Charania reported Tuesday morning that the Wolves and Stephenson were set to put pen to paper, but nothing was announced Tuesday and coach Tom Thibodeau said no decisions had been finalized.
“We’re still looking at a number of guys. We may bring in a few guys, but I’m not going to comment on that until we make a final decision on who we’ll sign,” Thibodeau said. “But he’s one of the guys that we are strongly considering.”
Thibodeau coached against Stephenson four times a year when Thibodeau was coaching Chicago and Stephenson was playing for division rival Indiana early in his career. Thibodeau even took a look at Stephenson during free agency this summer.
“He’s shown that he’s been a very good player in this league,” Thibodeau said.
Thibodeau said the Wolves will take “a good, hard look” at a few guys, meaning they may bring players in for workouts or just talk to them and look at film. But any addition is likely to come on the wing, where the Wolves are short-handed after losing Zach LaVine for the season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.
Stephenson, 26, was a major contributor early in his career on an Indiana Pacers team that advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals but has since bounced around the league. The Timberwolves would be his sixth team in seven seasons.
For his career, Stephenson is averaging nine points, four rebounds and three assists a game. He played six games with the New Orleans Pelicans this season, averaging 10 points, five assists and three rebounds in 27 minutes.
“I think he brings a toughness, a defensive mind, an older guy,” said Cole Aldrich, teammates with Stephenson on the Clippers last season. “He’s been around. He’s got playoff experience. I think he can help us.”
The Wolves already had an open roster spot after waiving veteran point guard John Lucas III weeks ago. Thibodeau always uses a short rotation, but the Wolves are running short on bodies with Adreian Payne missing games with an illness and Kris Dunn out with a bruised right hand.
If Stephenson is the choice, his addition would seem to be welcomed by players.
“That’d be good,” Andrew Wiggins said. “He’s a proven vet, a good player, good play maker. I feel like he can help us out.”