Imaginging a world where we’re still a 1-3 seed in January, I’d get behind Timmy C doubling/tripling/quadrupling down on contention this year.

Biggest needs are backup PG or a shooter/offensive playmaker off the bench. Since we no longer have the rights to Mike Miller (who confusingly/heroically tried to do ‘all’ and ‘none’ of those things at the same time), let’s brainstorm some other options.

Caveat: The money is, of course, tricky. And some (all?) of these aren’t realistic without sending out Kyle or Conley. If that’s the price it’s probably a pass for me on most if not all options. But we’re the 1-seed in the West without a game until Thursday night. Let’s cook and hope Dane can tell us which of them make sense later.

BENCH POINT GUARDS (CURRENT CONTRACT…CURRENT AVGs…CAREER SHOOTING SPLITS)

Coby White ($11M/3 YEARS…13 PPG/3 RPG/4 APG…42%/37%/85%)

Solid player who’s familiar playing in a combo/backup role with ‘alpha’ backcourt mates. I’m less familiar with the specifics of his defensive reputation, but I don’t get the sense that he’s a turnstile. Scoring punch, shooting, effort and ball movement. Would be able to spell Conley without taking a large bite-bite out of his minutes. Likely not who you want as your PG of the future in the event we can’t retain Conley moving forward. Would need an alternative plan for a mid-term starter.

Tyus Jones ($14M/1 YEAR…11 PPG/3 RPG/5 APG…44%/36%/81%)

He’s Tyus Jones. Thibs letting him leave was a top-5 egregious Thibs move on a list that’s much longer than 5. Shooter, gamer, ball mover, floor raiser, solid culture guy. Would help with execution, organizing, temperament and turnover issues on this team. Could be re-signed to replace Conley without a precipitous dropoff in the event we can’t retain him after this year. Likely very available given the state of professional basketball in Washington.

Monte Morris ($9.8M/1 YEAR…10 PPG/3 RPG/5 APG…48%/38%/83%)

Morris hasn’t played this year with a quad issue, which the team recently announced will keep him out another 6-8 weeks. But the numbers look good and Britt Robson likes him, so I like him.

Dennis Schroeder ($12.4M/2 YEARS…17 PPG/3 RPG/6.5 APG…44%/34%/83%)

Playing his best basketball, can produce in the playoffs, can take on heavy minutes, can defend. Likely/rightly feels he’s starting caliber and would take minutes from Conley (maybe this is a pro given Mike’s age?). Toronto might not ever make him available at a value the Wolves can match.

SHOOTER OR BENCH PLAYMAKER (CURRENT CONTRACT…CURRENT AVGs…CAREER SHOOTING SPLITS)

Doug McDermott ($13.75/1 YEAR…6.4 PPG/1RPG/1APG…47%/41%/81%)

You’re telling me this Wolves team can’t find a way to hide ol’ Dougy McBuckets on defense? A definite firesale candidate as an expiring Spurs contract. We asked for shooting, the Dougster gets you that (albeit at a relatively unsavory price point this year).

Collin Sexton ($17.3M/3 YEARS…12 PPG/3 RPG/3 APG…46%/38%/83%)

With the Jazz pivoting to K. George as a starting PG, it’s likely Sexton is about as on-the-block as it gets. Can he defend? Is this the best place to put $17 mil per year with the way our cap sheet looks? Maybe not. But I’d bet he’s available.

Alec Burks ($10.5/1 YEAR…12.5 PPG/3 RPG/2 APG…42%/38%/80%)

Plays in Detroit on an expiring deal makes for a prime firesale candidate who can hit clean looks.

Dorian Finney-Smith ($13.9M/3 YEAR…11 PPG/5.5 RPG/1.5 APG…44%/36%/72%)

Pipe dream option. I’ve always loved DFS. Admittedly unlikely as I’m not sure Brooklyn will be looking to offload useful wings any time soon.

Leonard Miller, Shooting Guard

Make it happen, Finchy.