The Minnesota Timberwolves could definitely use some more firepower in their second unit. And Nikola Mirotic could be just that person.
The Minnesota Timberwolves and Chicago Bulls have already completed one trade in the past calendar year, so why not another? This time for Bulls’ forward Nikola Mirotic.
Ever since Mirotic returned to the court after a busted up face (thanks to his teammate Bobby Portis), he’s been lighting the world on fire by averaging 17.9 points and 7.3 rebounds on 45.9 percent shooting from downtown.
That’s exactly the type of production Minnesota could use to spark a bench that ranks 27th in the NBA in points per game. Even if they tried to slide him in with the starters, it would be a good fit offensively. Defensively, however, would be a whole separate discussion, as it would give the Timberwolves two below-average defensive players in their frontcourt in Mirotic and Karl-Anthony Towns.
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He would also boost Minnesota’s three-point shooting numbers all across the board, as he’d immediately become the team leader in percentage and attempts per game.
Minnesota might not be the perfect partner for Chicago in a trade because of the direction each of these teams is headed, but it’s fun to dream about. And besides, Mirotic still wants out of Chicago so he’s likely to go somewhere.
None of these trades are perfect and are meant to be taken too seriously. It’s a fun little exercise to see what it would take to complete a trade with Chicago.
Without further ado, it’s time to play a round of Armchair General Manager!
*Mirotic cannot be traded until Jan. 14.