Flip’s Moves: Timberwolves trades and the 2015 draft

Mar 18, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Garnett (21) gestures as he talks with forward Andrew Wiggins (22) on the bench during the Timberwolves 105-100 loss to Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

Traded Thaddeus Young for Kevin Garnett

Full trade: The Timberwolves sent Thaddeus Young to the Nets for Kevin Garnett

How did the Wolves fare? The original trade of the Wolves trading Miami’s top-10 protected first round pick for Thad Young was not super smart. Flip targeted Young as Kevin Love’s replacement even though the Wolves likely would not have made the playoffs even if everyone stayed healthy. Trading that pick to bring in a veteran to a rebuilding team simply wasn’t a great basketball move.

When Young was flipped for Garnett before the trade deadline in February the national media ripped the trade for the Wolves, saying that they essentially traded a first-round pick for a 38-year old player that would sell more tickets but not be worth much else.

I think that Garnett is worth that first-round pick. He is such a great example for the young players to learn from and knows what it takes for success in this league.

He knows all the little tricks that players can get away with in games and his role as a mentor for Wiggins, Zach Lavine, Ricky Rubio, Towns, Payne, Gorgui Dieng, and Shabazz Muhammad cannot be overstated. He is a top-notch leader and motivator. Garnett will show all of those players early in their career what level of intensity and focus it takes to be great and lead a team. He left a huge mark on this team in his first stint, and hopefully he can make just as big of one in his second by influencing these young players.

Next: Towns and the Hometown Kid