Minnesota Timberwolves: 5 takeaways from the trade deadline

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OAKLAND, CA – JANUARY 25: Head coach Tom Thibodeau of the Minnesota Timberwolves complains about a call during their game against the Golden State Warriors at ORACLE Arena on January 25, 2018 in Oakland, 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

2. Thibodeau loves the first round pick.

Minnesota doesn’t own their first-round pick this season thanks to a great trade with the Atlanta Hawks to acquire Adreian Payne (unless they somehow miss the playoffs). However, they are owed the Oklahoma City Thunder’s first-round pick should they make the playoffs.

We’ve been hearing rumors for a while the Timberwolves could have had a couple of different players should they be willing to part with the Thunder’s pick (C.J. Miles last summer, Tyreke Evans was reportedly available for a first, etc), but Thibodeau chose to hang on to the pick through the thick and thin.

I completely agree with his decision as well (as if that matters). Minnesota is going to be very tight on the cap coming up in the next couple of seasons and they need to try and hit on a late-round draft pick who can hopefully provide average play at a low cost.

Thibs was smart not to send away the pick with the hopes of acquiring a player who will help Minnesota over the next 25 plus games. Besides, what would a player like Evans, Miles or Marco Belinelli do in the long run? Sure, the Timberwolves might win a couple extra games, but it wouldn’t help them get past the Houston Rockets or Golden State Warriors. It’s better this way, trust me.

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