Jim Mone/Associated Press
Catching the No. 1 choice is a benefit for the Timberwolves long run. DAngelo Russell, Karl-Anthony Towns, Jarrett Culver, Malik Beasley (limited), Josh Okogie and Anthony Edwards produce a genuine leading 6.
Do they likewise produce a playoff team in the West? Eh, probably not. All 15 teams in the West will consider themselves postseason hopefuls next year as things stand. Minnesota would only be working with a handful of proven players, plus whomever they sign with the mid-level exception.
Thats not favorable to an immediate return to the playoffs, and the Timberwolves have actually acted like a group most concerned with now. Next years choice is owed to the Warriors with exceptionally light security (leading three) before going unprotected in 2022. They do not have time to take the ultra-gradual approach, not even with Russell (2023 free representative) and Towns (2024) signed through at least 2022-23.
And thats the other thing: Minnesotas two best gamers are currently on max deals. And while that should not invite the Timberwolves to move out of No. 1, it does demand a specific level of urgency.
Poking around Devin Bookers availability is usually useless but encouraged. They could provide Bradley Beal an appearance, however with the protective concerns he d perpetuate, they d have to know he prepares to re-sign in 2022. (Acquiring Booker– if they could, which they cant– poses the same protective headaches, but hes more youthful and signed through 2023-24 and, of course, besties with DLo and KAT.).
Talking with the Pacers about Victor Oladipo or the Pelicans about Jrue Holiday (2021 gamer option) deserves a shot, however with both approaching free agency, the Timberwolves would need to extract more worth in return. The list of possibly readily available All-Stars who jibe with Minnesotas one-two punch peters out about here, with the caveat that all of the currently discussed names might not even come close to gettable.
Not all trade situations require to go scorched earth. The Timberwolves can take a look at moving down for a package of another lottery pick and veteran. But discovering that ideal offer would be an obstacle. Prospective situations run dry genuine fast.
Does John Collins and No. 6 for No. 1 make sense for either Minnesota or Atlanta? Does Buddy Hield and No. 12 get the Timberwolves attention? Is Dejounte Murray, Derrick White, Rudy Gay and No. 11 too abundant for San Antonio?
You can see the concerns dealing with a shop-it required. Still, the Timberwolves arent escaping it. Theyve revealed theyre more for today than tomorrow, and in this draft, with so little guaranteed at the top, they ought to feel a commitment to solicit deals for the No. 1 pick more than they would in a lot of years.
Verdict: Shop it.
And while that should not welcome the Timberwolves to move out of No. 1, it does require a certain level of urgency.
Does John Collins and No. 6 for No. 1 make sense for either Minnesota or Atlanta? Does Buddy Hield and No. 12 get the Timberwolves attention? Is Dejounte Murray, Derrick White, Rudy Gay and No. 11 too rich for San Antonio? Theyve shown theyre more for today than tomorrow, and in this draft, with so little ensured at the top, they need to feel a responsibility to obtain offers for the No. 1 pick more than they would in the majority of years.
