Flip’s Moves: Timberwolves trades and the 2015 draft

Dec 10, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Flip Saunders talks to guard Zach LaVine (8) and guard Andrew Wiggins (22) during the fourth quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at Target Center. The Timberwolves defeated the Trail Blazers 90-82. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

The Verdict

Flip has made a bunch of smart decisions as president of basketball operations for the Timberwolves, starting with the 2013 draft and running all the way through the 2015 draft.

Trading Miami’s first round pick for Young has been Flip’s only clearly questionable decision in his two years running the Wolves (although the Wolves potential signing of Tayshaun Prince would also belong in this category if that actually comes to fruition).

Flip made one blockbuster trade that altered the course of this franchise (Kevin Love for Andrew Wiggins), then has supplemented that with several smaller trades. He is slowly bringing in more pieces that complement those already in place while keeping an eye towards the future.

His coaching style has invited some criticism recently, but his performance as president of basketball operations has been stellar. If he can continue to be patient and add the right pieces when they make sense, the Timberwolves could be a fearsome team when this young core hits its prime.

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