Derrick Williams and Ricky Rubio will be with the Timberwolves for at least one more year.
The Star Tribune reports the Wolves will pick up the 2014-15 contract options on guard Ricky Rubio and forward Derrick Williams.
Williams’ option is worth $6.7 million and Rubio’s is worth $5 million.
“I think everybody knows that if they didn’t pick up my option I would have been unrestricted (free agent) and, basically, could have done whatever,” Williams told WCCO Tuesday. “So it helps, the security. You’re guaranteed at least one more year in the NBA, you know? And, as long as you have that, I think everything is good.”
Per the report, the moves were nothing more than a formality, but there was a lot of speculation that Minnesota might abandon shop in Williams’ career and allow him to hit free agency following the upcoming season.
Williams lost 15-20 pounds during the offseason with hopes of getting quick enough to play more as a small forward.
“I know how good I am. I know how good I can be,” Williams said, via ESPN. “Just got to keep working. That’s why I took a few months to get my body in shape. I’m not tired. Last season I was exhausted. But the extra 15, 20 pounds off, it really helps.”
The Timberwolves open the season Oct. 30.
