It’s time to take a look at the final divison left in the Western Conference.

The Northwest Division consists of the Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, Portland Trail Blazers, Oklahoma City Thunder and the Utah Jazz.

Denver Nuggets

Season Recap:

Denver played very well seeing it was their first full season with Carmelo Anthony. There was a lot less drama and George Karl was able to be on the sideline all season compared to his cancer problems last year.

They finished 6th in the west with a record of 38-28 and played very well as a group. Together they were a force, not just 1 star player but Ty Lawson did show us he can play with the best point guards at times.

Salary Cap Situation:

The Denver team is made up of promising young talent that will eventuate into a strong team in the Western Conference. They are paid that way as well.

All the players are receiving respectable money which will leave room in the future to be resigned. The Nuggets still have the abiltiy to add players from free agency or trade if they want to.

Free Agents:

Andre Miller: 2011-2012 Salary $7.8 Million, unrestricted free agent.

Denver has expressed interest in bringing Miller back but only for the right price. With his glory days behind him a contract should reflect that financially if the front office gives him an offer.

Teams desperate of a point guard if they fail on other players (Dallas, Lakers) may attempt to sign him.

Potential Targets:

Marcus Camby (Houston Rockets):

Would come off the bench and provide solid rebounding numbers. It would limit giving up offensive rebounds which can get Denver on the fast break where they belong.

Brian Cardinal (Dallas Mavericks):

Would be a back up incase there was an injury. His age and production does not require a role and would serve as depth like he did for Dallas last season.

Outlook:

This team remains intact and apart from any catastrophic moves, this team will be back next season looking for a top spot in the west.

Photo Credit: www.sbnation.com

Minnesota Timberwolves

Season Recap:

The Timberwolves sat near the bottom of the Conference all season after what was a below average record of 26-40. They do have some promising young talent in Kevin Love and Ricky Rubio which they will be looking to surround with better players for next season.

They will be after experienced players that can steady the ship for them with their experience.

Salary Cap Situation:

Things are going to be a little tighter next season in Minnesota. Lots of players are on their rookie contracts and they all get raises, plus Kevin Love is receiving a wopping $10 Million increase alone.

If they don’t resign Michael Beasley and Anthony Randolph they will have some room to bring in new players.

Free Agents:

Michael Beasley: 2011-2012 Salary $6.2 Million, unrestricted free agent.

Could be homeless once again because of the Timberwolves targeting Nicholas Batum. May have interest from the Lakers because teams overlook his talent because of Beasley’s bad behaviour.

Anthony Randolph: 2011-2012 Salary $2.9 Million, unrestricted free agent.

Everyone seemed to fall in love with his ability, especially on the defensive end when he was coming out of the draft.

But he has not showed as much promise as he did back then so the Timberwolves may have given up on him, especially if they find a better player.

Potential Targets:

Nicholas Batum (Portland Trail Blazers):

Batum has worked out for the T-wolves and they have liked what they’ve seen. So much so apparently offering him a 4 year contract that is more lucrative than what the Trail Blazers can offer.

Ersan Illyasova (Milwaukee Bucks):

In spending 4 years with the Milwaukee Bucks Illyasova has dramatically improved last season and his 3 point shooting along with his defense could attract Minnesota. For a big man he can be extremely valuable spreading the floor for Kevin Love.

Outlook:

With the moves they are hoping to make this off season, the Tmberwolves could easily be finding themselves battling for a position in the playoffs. Their goal would have to be to make the playoffs or a shakeup might be required again.

Photo Credit: www.kval.com

Part 2 will cover the Portland Trail Blazers, Oklahoma City Thunder and the Utah Jazz.

Photo Credit: www.espn.go.com