Minnesota Timberwolves: 5 trades for Cole Aldrich

Knowing that Thibodeau is reluctant to give up the first round pick, this is a way for the Atlanta Hawks and Wolves to compromise on a trade.

Minnesota wouldn’t be clearing up much cap space in this deal as Marco Belinelli is owed $6.6 million next season, the last year of his deal. That’s okay for Thibs because clearing cap space isn’t the reason he makes this trade.

Belinelli’s shooting ability is the reason. A career 37.7 percent 3-point shooter, the Italian appears to have re-discovered his stroke last year by shooting 36 percent with the Charlotte Hornets. That’s still not up to par with his career best 43 percent back in 2013-14 but is loads better than when he shot 30 percent two seasons ago.

Despite the recent ups and downs in Beli’s shooting, he has maintained a steady scoring average around 10 points per game. This is where he will help Minnesota the most as they need to continue to add depth on the perimeter.

He can also play and defend both the shooting guard and small forward spots. Although he isn’t known for his defensive ability, he can still hold his own on that end of the floor.

In return for Belinelli’s contract, the Timberwolves get out from underneath the remaining money on Aldrich’s deal. In order to do that, however, it cost them a 2018 second round pick.

The added flexibility in free agency next year (since Belinelli’s money comes off the books) is worth giving up the second rounder.