Timberwolves coach Tom Thibodeau, formerly the Chicago coach, traded for Jimmy Butler last year and also has other ex-Bulls Taj Gibson, Derrick Rose, and Jamal Crawford on the roster. Now, multiple reports indicate Minnesota could be the landing spot for Deng, recently waived by the Los Angeles Lakers.

Deng and the Lakers reached an agreement on a contract buyout on Saturday. The 33-year-old Deng had two years left on a four-year, US$72 million contract (RM299 million) he signed in 2016. The Lakers have committed to a different direction under the leadership of Magic Johnson, choosing to mix newly-signed LeBron James with young talent.

Deng played in the opening game of the 2017-18 season and didn’t play again. Waiving Deng helps to free salary cap space for the Lakers, who could have as much as US$38 million (RM158 million) available for the 2019-20 season – enough for to sign another player to a maximum contract next summer.

A 14-year veteran, Deng has averaged 15 points and 6.1 rebounds per game with the Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and Lakers. He is a two-time All-Star.