The Minnesota Timberwolves have a chance at getting one of the more versatile defenders in NBA history.
Jimmy Butler and Kawhi Leonard are extremely sought after due to their defensive prowess as extremely efficient wings. Due to today’s rumor mill, that duo may become a reality. It seems the Spurs are allowing phone calls targeting the acquisition of Kawhi Leonard.
"VIA, Brian Windhorst through RealGM:“I have already talked to several NBA general managers. At the end of this season, teams will call the Spurs and inquire about the availability of Kawhi Leonard.”“could sign a supermax extension with the Spurs this offseason worth more than $200 million. Leonard would be unable to sign a max contract at 35 percent of the cap should he leave the Spurs.”"
In layman’s terms, Kawhi Leonard would take a hefty pay-cut if traded to the Timberwolves, or any other team not named the Spurs. Simply because San Antonio is the only team that can offer him the ‘true’ max contract.
According to several sources, the Spurs have been internally battling Kawhi Leonard over the injury debacle in San Antonio. Leonard is currently in New York rehabbing, most likely until his presumptuous trade date, being around June 21st, 2018 (NBA Draft).
This two-time Defense Player of the Year has only played 9 games this season, but the Timberwolves would undoubtedly benefit from the acquisition of Leonard, who would perfectly fit Tom Thibodeau’s scheme with Butler.
Here would be the most likely trade scenario, if any.
How would this work for both teams?
Frankly, if anyone can turn Andrew Wiggins into the player he wants to become, it would be Gregg Popovich and the heralded San Antonio organization. The Spurs also get a true back-up point guard to help Dejounte Murray off the bench once Tony Parker retires. The first round draft pick could be a future one or the 2018 pick, regardless it’s a good move for San Antonio to get rid of an unhappy player for a solid return.
The past four all-star players who have been traded this past year were traded for non all-star players: Chris Paul, DeMarcus Cousins, Paul George, and Blake Griffin.
This trade would be no different.
The Timberwolves would turn into a lineup of hound-like players. With the starting lineup possibly looking like: Jeff Teague, Jimmy Butler, Kawhi Leonard, Taj Gibson, Karl-Anthony Towns.
All of Minnesota would be open to this idea. Especially since the recent woes of the Jimmy Butler injury and lacking the hustle on defense, which Leonard provides.
Best case scenario: All-Star studded Timberwolves change the Western Conference for years to come.
Next: Jimmy Butler's absence still gives hope
Worst case scenario: Kawhi Leonard is the next case of Isaiah Thomas.