Report: Chase Budinger picks up 2015-16 player option with Timberwolves
With the Minnesota Timberwolves reportedly set to announce Andrew Wiggins as the 2014-15 Rookie of the Year, they received word that Chase Budinger will re-join Wiggins on the wing for his sophomore season.
Budinger has picked up his 2015-16 player option, according to a report from Yahoo Sports.
It had long been expected that Budinger would pick up the $5-million option, as his health and performance over the last few seasons would have made it difficult for him to command that type of salary as a free agent.
But a late surge cast doubt on that perceived certainty, and some real estate moves Budinger made recently convinced some he was leaving Minnesota.
| Chase Budinger | MPG | Pts/36 | Rbs/36 | TS% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009-13 | 21.6 | 15.7 | 5.6 | 54.1% |
| 2013-14 | 18.3 | 13.1 | 4.9 | 50.5% |
| Oct. 2014 - Feb. 2015 | 14.6 | 10.6 | 5.9 | 46.7% |
| March 2015 - April 2015 | 29.3 | 15.1 | 5.2 | 60.8% |
Despite the evidence that Budinger is finally rebounding from the torn meniscus that cost him most of his 2012-13 season, he's taking the financially cautious approach and securing a reasonable guaranteed salary.
Budinger's agent said $5M player option exercised now to give both sides "flexibility" while team weighs this summer to keep him or not
— Jerry Zgoda (@JerryZgoda) April 30, 2015
The 26-year-old could figure into Minnesota's wing rotation next season, but will likely find himself battling several youngsters for minutes. The Wolves denied shopping Budinger at the trade deadline this year but reports suggested otherwise.