Minnesota Timberwolves: 5 trades for Cole Aldrich

The Minnesota Timberwolves pick up more wing depth in this move, acquiring Terrence Ross from the Orlando Magic. In return, they send Aldrich and their second round pick back to Orlando.

Ross is set to make $10.5 million each of the next two seasons so he comes at a steep price for Thibodeau. However, his production should make up for that hefty contract.

At 6-foot-7, the former Magic brings a wing who can play either the shooting guard or small forward positions. He’s also uber athletic and has a nice outside shot. Over his career, he’s a 37.4 percent 3-point shooter.

Working almost exclusively off the bench in Toronto before starting every game with the Magic, Ross can thrive in either role.

In Minnesota, he will obviously be coming off the bench and providing a spark to the second unit. He can play well off the ball which is a positive as the Timberwolves need to add players who don’t need the ball in their hands to be successful.

The Magic get a player in Aldrich who can be waived after the 2017-18 season and a second round pick for their troubles.

Orlando also creates more playing time for their younger players like Mario Heznoja, Evan Fournier and Jonathan Isaac.

Minnesota is taking on extra salary in this deal which would put them over the cap. If owner Glen Taylor is okay with it, the move won’t affect the Timberwolves current money situation very much.

Next: Minnesota Timberwolves: 5 cheap free agents (part 1)

In the end, this move is a cheap way for Thibs to acquire more talent for the team.