Jordan Hill

Hill's contract was non-guaranteed for next season if he was waived before the end of June, so the move isn't all that unexpected, especially after the Wolves acquired Jimmy Butler via trade on draft night. With Butler in tow and under contract for two more seasons, the Wolves are expected to ramp up their efforts to return to the postseason, which means clearing as much cap space as possible to pursue impact free agents this offseason. The 29-year-old Hill appeared in only seven games for the Wolves in 2016-17 after falling out of favor with coach Tom Thibodeau early in the year.

The season-ending injury to Nemanja Bjelica (foot) doesn't look like it will open up a spot in the rotation for Hill, especially after the team addressed their lack of depth at forward by signing Omri Casspi. Hill has made just one appearance since Dec. 26, playing a sole minute in that contest.

Coach Tom Thibodeau continues to trot out a tight eight- or nine-man rotation in most games, affording no opportunities of late for Hill to take the floor. The veteran big man's last appearance came Dec. 26 against the Hawks, meaning he's been stuck on the bench for the last 25 games.

The deal is worth $8 million. Hill averaged 8.8 points and 6.2 rebounds as a member of the Pacers last season while averaging 20.7 minutes per game. The signing is a bit curious because they have Karl-Anthony Towns, Gorgui Deng, Cole Aldrich and Adreian Payne all as potential contributors at the PF and C position.