Dunking With Wolves
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5 reasons the Timberwolves should trade for Kyrie Irving

By Jaime Tyler

OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 12: Kyrie Irving
OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 12: Kyrie Irving /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 9: Head coach Tom Thibodeau of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts from the bench during the second half of the basketball game against Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center April 9, 2017, in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 9: Head coach Tom Thibodeau of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts from the bench during the second half of the basketball game against Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center April 9, 2017, in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /

Number 2: Where’s there’s risk, there’s reward

While it may seem to some that six years of Wiggins is better than two years of Irving, it’s not as simple as that.

In the end, Thibodeau and the Wolves are trying to win a championship, are they not? These moves, then, should be assessed on whether they would put the team closer to a championship or further away from one.

Let me put it this way: could the Andrew Wiggins we know right now be the third best player on a championship team?

Did you hesitate?

I certainly did. If so, that means he’s not that player, yet.

Now, could Kyrie Irving be the third best player on a championship team? Of course! He’s been the second-best player on the three-time Eastern Conference Champion and the 2016 NBA Champion. At times, he’s even been their go-to option down the stretch.

The reward for Kyrie Irving is Western Conference Champion contention over the next two years. An Irving, Butler, Towns big three gives the Timberwolves the NBA’s best trio east of the San Fransisco Bay.

Whether they can beat the Warriors over the next two seasons with that potential group is unlikely, but they will certainly be able to compete with them. At least as good as anybody else in the league will be able to over the next 24 months.

A Wiggins, Butler, Towns trifecta puts the Wolves in the playoffs this year. Beyond that, things are a little unclear.

The fear here is whether or not Irving and Butler would walk after two years, leaving the Timberwolves with a lone wolf scenario, a scary thought that goes back to KG’s days.

Have no fear, Wolves fans, a new NBA is here.