Kyle Anderson’s journey through the NBA has taken another turn as he prepares to return to the Minnesota Timberwolves, a team where he once thrived. After agreeing to a contract buyout with the Memphis Grizzlies, Anderson is set to rejoin the Timberwolves, aiming to reignite the impact he had during his previous stint.
The decision to part ways with Memphis seems fitting for both parties. At 32, Anderson wasn’t aligned with the Grizzlies’ focus on rebuilding and eyeing future prospects.
Memphis has been struggling, highlighted by their recent 133-112 loss to a depleted Golden State squad, marking their 13th defeat in 16 games. With Jaren Jackson Jr. traded to the Utah Jazz, Anderson’s exit was almost inevitable.
Returning to Minnesota offers Anderson a chance to reconnect with a team where he was a key contributor. During the 2023-24 season, he logged over 22 minutes per game, showcasing his high basketball IQ and versatility. These attributes earned him a three-year, $27 million contract with the Golden State Warriors, a move that was part of a historic six-team trade involving Klay Thompson.
However, Anderson’s time with the Warriors didn’t pan out as expected. Despite his fit with Steve Kerr’s system on paper, he struggled to find consistent minutes in a crowded rotation, averaging just 15 minutes over 36 games.
His journey continued with a trade to the Miami Heat in a blockbuster deal bringing Jimmy Butler to Golden State. But even in Miami, Anderson found limited playing time, which eventually led to another trade to Utah.
In Utah, Anderson’s role remained restricted, appearing in only 20 games before moving to Memphis. This series of moves raised questions about his ability to be a significant contributor on a playoff team once again.
Now, back in familiar territory with the Timberwolves, Anderson has a prime opportunity to reestablish himself. The familiarity and previous success in Minnesota could be the perfect backdrop for Anderson to prove he still has plenty to offer, perhaps wishing he had never left in the first place.