Minnesota Timberwolves: 5 takeaways from the trade deadline

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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – JANUARY 20: Gorgui Dieng #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on during the game against the Toronto Raptors on January 20, 2018 at the 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. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

4. Gorgui Dieng doesn’t hold much trade value either.

The situation with Gorgui Dieng is completely different than with Muhammad. Most of Dieng’s lack of value lies in the fact that he’s on the first year of a four-year, $64 million contract extension he signed two summers ago.

Although there was no strong connection to Dieng getting moved, there always remained a small percentage he was shipped out of town:

Text from an Eastern Conference GM: "Annual reminder: Lots of lies going down right now." Also said Dieng is the guy they'd move, but nobody will take his contract. Outside of maybe Shabazz, not sure I see the #Twolves doing anything trade-wise. #AllEyesNorth
— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) February 7, 2018

With money being extremely valuable this offseason, the biggest reason Thibodeau would want to move Dieng would be for that reason. His contract will undoubtedly become burdensome if it hasn’t already, especially given the lack of production and playing time we’ve seen from Dieng this season.

Dieng is more than a serviceable player and can do many things well. He does a good job of protecting the rim, is a great teammate, and has an ever-expanding outside shot. He also knows his role and never tries to do too much.

With that being said, there’s only so much money can buy, and nobody was willing to mess with his contract.

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