The free-agency waiting game appears to be near completion, at least according to Tom Thibodeau.

The Timberwolves coach and president of basketball operations acknowledged “everything has moved a lot slower this summer” in NBA free agency, in part because teams have less money to throw around.

How slow? September is a few days away and the Wolves still have four roster spots to fill.

A few of those could be filled shortly. In a radio appearance Monday with Chad Hartman on WCCO-830 AM, Thibodeau said something “absolutely” should happen within the next two weeks. Minnesota is pressed up against the salary cap and only has minimum salaries to offer.

Thibideau said the Timberwolves have “some offers” out to players who are assessing their options. He said there are players available who have played roles, and even started, in the NBA. Related Articles Timberwolves head into team bubble excited to spend time together, on and off the court

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“We think we’re going to have a shot at some really good players,” Thibodeau said, “but we have to be patient.”

Exactly who are those players? Thibodeau refused to say, but guys like Tony Allen, Dante Cunningham and Anthony Morrow make sense. One name Thibodeau confirmed the Wolves have talked to: Shabazz Muhammad, who the Wolves let become a free agent this summer.

New Timberwolves’ signing Jamal Crawford made a public plea on Twitter for Muhammad to return.

“He’s one of the players we are talking to,” Thibodeau told Dan Barreiro on KFXN-100.3 on Monday. “Bazz has a great relationship with a number of players on the team. I know they would like to have him back. He’s got to make a decision shortly.”

Thibodeau has said the Wolves would like to sign two more wings and another point guard, who would likely compete with Tyus Jones for the backup job.

At wing, Thibodeau said the Wolves are looking for players who can complement guys like Karl-Anthony Towns, Jimmy Butler and Andrew Wiggins.

“What we’re looking for in our league (is) ‘Three and D,’ ” Thibodeau said. “A guy that can shoot the three, complement our primary scorers and defensively be able to guard their position well. And you’re looking for versatility.”

Thibodeau would like to leave one spot open for flexibility, and noted there are teams with more than 15 players under contract heading into training camp. That means some good players could become available prior to the season starting.

INJURY UPDATES

Thibodeau told Hartman that reserve forward Nemanja Bjelica hasn’t been fully cleared yet by doctors after breaking a bone in his left foot in March, but “he’s getting closer.” Thibodeau said Bjelica is shooting, running and doing drills on the court.

“He’s coming along well,” Thibodeau said.

Thibodeau told Hartman that Justin Patton, the Wolves’ first-round draft pick, has been doing rehab work in Minneapolis. He suffered a broken fifth metatarsal in his left foot when he slipped on a wet spot during his first workout in Minnesota. Thibodeau said it was the first injury of the center’s career.

Thibodeau said Patton has been shooting out of a chair, lifting and watching film.

KYRIE TRADE

While there have been reported hiccups in the agreement to send Cleveland Cavaliers’ all-star point guard Kyrie Irving to the Boston Celtics, it looks as though a deal will eventually be finalized.

The Timberwolves were reportedly one of Irving’s preferred landing spots after he told Cavaliers’ management that he wanted out of Cleveland, and ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the Wolves made an offer to Cleveland.

On Irving, Thibodeau told Barreiro that “you have to do your due diligence” on all players and possibilities.

“We love the players that we have, so it didn’t happen,” Thibodeau said. “But we’re always going to try to improve our team.”