Dunking With Wolves
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Potential trades the Timberwolves should (or shouldn’t) pursue

By Justin Pinotti

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 24: The Minnesota Timberwolves make their way back on court as they play against the Miami Heat on November 24, 2017 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Jordan Johnson/NBAE via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 24: The Minnesota Timberwolves make their way back on court as they play against the Miami Heat on November 24, 2017 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Jordan Johnson/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – DECEMBER 3: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Tyus Jones #1 of the Minnesota Timberwolves, and Gorgui Dieng #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves celebrate on the court against the LA Clippers on December 3, 2017 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – DECEMBER 3: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Tyus Jones #1 of the Minnesota Timberwolves, and Gorgui Dieng #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves celebrate on the court against the LA Clippers on December 3, 2017 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Conclusion and Overview:

I think the Wolves are in a relatively good spot heading into trade season. They have a winning record, and are just starting to build chemistry. I really think small trades here or there to get a bench wing like Wes Johnson would really fix a lot of issues that the Wolves having. So, it’s good that we don’t need these sweeping roster changes.

In my never ending attempt to tinker, I do think a combination of a few of these moves could lead to a pretty functional roster.

Maybe combining the Philly trade and the Hawks trade could get the Wolves a depth chart that looks like:

C: Towns/ Dieng/ Amir Johnson

PF: Taj/Towns/ Johnson/Butler

SF: Butler/Bazemore/ Justin Anderson

SG: Wiggins/Bazemore/Anderson

PG: Tyus/McConnell

That could be fun. Why not?

Bonus: DeAndre Jordan Special

This wasn’t in my original lineup of potential trades for a few reasons. Mainly, I just didn’t finish this list in time, and the rumors of Deandre Jordan trades popped up during my creation of this. But also, I’m not entirely sure the Wolves need a blockbuster trade like this.

Most of the trades I’ve picked have been specifically pretty non-intensive, because I don’t think we need a season-saving deal, I think we need to shore up a few depth areas (namely wing depth and rim protection) and I think we’ll be in pretty good shape.

But the more I think about it, the more I think you gotta do a trades like this if one is available. Fortune favors the bold. If you have a chance to acquire an All-Star caliber player, you need to attempt to do so. I understand the fit and money and all that….but you know, talent does seem to win out in the end.

This does mean moving guys like Gorgui and Tyus? Or, for sure Gorgui and maybe Tyus or maybe a pick (or maybe both? Who’s to say what other offers will be out there).

DeAndre is a free agent, which will be something to monitor when making trades like this. But even in the event he takes a hike in free agency, the worst case scenario is we “get off” Gorgui’s contract, which will open up cap flexibility to acquire new rotation players (“get off” being in quotations because I enjoy Gorgui’s game, don’t think he’s too overpaid, and I’d be sad if he left)

(One of my hopes in this is maybe we could get a Sam Dekker throw-in or something. If there’s a way for Thibs to threaten Doc Rivers or something to make this happen, it would make me pretty happy with the deal.)

Next: Timberwolves Podcast: Surprises and Disappointments

I think you gotta do a DeAndre trade if you can do it without giving up too much. Really awesome players help you win, and I think Taj has been evidence of that. Taj isn’t a modern anything, but he’s a super smart veteran who’s f—ing awesome at basketball and has been truly great, and the Wolves could see a similar boost from some of the trades rumored for DeAndre Jordan.