The Minnesota Timberwolves were the center of attention in the NBA world, making a power move to receive Jimmy Butler and Justin Patton out of Creighton.
The Minnesota Timberwolves and the Chicago Bulls agreed to a major trade on NBA’s draft night. The Wolves traded away Zach LaVine, Kris Dunn, and the No. 7 2017 NBA draft pick (Lauri Markkanen). In return, they received All-Star Jimmy Butler and the No. 16 2017 NBA draft pick (Justin Patton).
Many believed that the 16th pick that Chicago gave away was too much. Either way, the trade is over with. So, let’s take a look at a few sources that graded this trade.
CBS Sports: A-
Reid Forgrave of CBS Sports explains that the reason he gave the Wolves an A-, is because he is a home run potential. Meaning that if he pans out he will be a steal in the draft. If he doesn’t then he will likely be just a bench player with a lot of energy.
Patton is a player that loves to run the floor, hustle’s hard, and brings a lot of energy. He is still raw as it is believed however that he can develop into a nice defensive player and bring offensive versatility. With the ability to shoot from deep eventually (53 percent from deep on 8 of 15). The Wingspan set at 7-foot-3 allows him to block shots and go over opponents.
Bleacher Report: A
Paul Kasabian of Bleacher Report gives the Timberwolves an A. In this statement, it really shows off the night the Timberwolves had. Paul claims.
"“It’s a debate as to whether the Timberwolves or Kings are having the best draft night after Minnesota made this pick.”"
The Timberwolves receiving Butler was a big thing for the team. He will help teach the young guys what it takes to win and Tom Thibodeau’s system. With great defense and the ability to score, receiving him will make the Wolves an almost lock for the playoffs.
Patton is still raw, but if he develops into a good player, then the Wolves won this trade.
Sports Illustrated: A-
Jeremy Woo of Sports Illustrated explains that because he is still raw, much like the Timberwolves roster; he will take time to develop. Again if he does develop over time, then the Wolves hit a home run.
With a lot of pressure already off Patton’s shoulder, he will be able to move at his own pace. Wiggins, Towns, and Butler will take the load off him. He won’t be the center of attention in Minnesota, but he will be able to slide in nicely.
USA Today: B-
The worst grade given to the Minnesota Timberwolves is through USA Today. Adi Joseph explains that the reason behind this is because Patton would become a backup option on this team due to the starting lineup being filled up with the likes of Karl-Anthony Towns and Gorgui Dieng.
However, this seems like a good thing for Patton. Even if there wasn’t talent filled in the starting lineup, Patton would still come off the bench.
Due to the fact that he is still very raw with a lot of potential; he would be better suited on the bench developing at his own pace and learning the game from Towns. In my mind with the need for depth behind Dieng and Towns, Patton can fill that hole nicely.
ABC News (via ESPN): A
This grade highlights the overall draft day for the Minnesota Timberwolves. As Kevin Pelton from ESPN posted on ABC’s website; Kevin gave the Chicago Bulls an F, and the Timberwolves an A.
As he shows why in just a few sentences why he is such a good addition. Not because of the leadership he will give to the team, but his stat’s and salary. As Kevin explains:
"“Butler, who rated third in the league in wins produced based on ESPN’s real plus-minus (RPM) behind? LeBron James and Stephen Curry?in 2016-17, has two more guaranteed years remaining at $18.7 and $19.8 million before a player option for 2019-20 (also for $19.8 million) that he’s sure to decline barring injury.”"
That quote is all you need to know for a player like Butler. It clearly shows that the Wolves are on a bargain deal for him.
In the NBA today that is a cheap contract. As we are seeing players make $25-30 million a season. The type of player that Butler is, and what he will be able to do for the team, this is clearly a steal. The future is set up even more nicely, and it will be exciting to see what will happen this upcoming season.
Next: Grading the Minnesota Timberwolves draft
Will they end the 13-year drought from the playoffs? There is no doubt that this upcoming season will be nothing less than exciting.