NBA Draft: What are the Minnesota Timberwolves most likely to do?

25 Percent: Timberwolves trade back from No. 20

Scott Layden explicitly stated in Wednesday’s pre-draft press conference that the Wolves would consider trading back due to the wing depth in the late-to-mid first round of this year’s draft, so we shouldn’t be shocked if and when it happens.

And it very well might be the best value play, although the Wolves aren’t exactly in a “quantity over quality” situation when it comes to their roster.

The Hawks scenario is extremely specific, and if the above were to take place, Gorgui Dieng would probably be included to balance out the salary of Kent Bazemore.

From a roster balance perspective, something like the No. 20 plus Dieng for both the No. 30 and 33 and Bazemore would be awesome. It would add some flexibility to the cap situation (Bazemore’s contract is shorter than Gorgui’s, plus sliding from No. 20 to 30 saves on the guaranteed contract for the first-rounder they select), plus pick up a valuable early second-round pick, too.

Of course, unless they Hawks really like someone who remains on the board at No. 20, or if they are simply okay with paying Dieng on his current deal, it’s hard to see why this deal would go down.

But there are 28 other teams, of course, and if it’s simply the No. 20 for a later first-rounder and a second-rounder either this year or next year, it’s likely a move that Thibodeau and Layden make. It certainly seems like there are plenty of wings that could be had later than No. 20 without a significant drop-off in talent.

If the Wolves trade back and pick up another pick, don’t be too surprised — or upset, for that matter. Sometimes, trading back is simply the best value play.