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

5 Percent: Timberwolves trade up from No. 20

We have to acknowledge the possibility that there is a prospect that the Timberwolves front office has fallen in love with, and that depending on how the draft plays out they may be willing to move up.

Remember, Thibodeau surely does not want two rookies on the roster next year, and the Wolves have the No. 48 selection in addition to the guaranteed contract that comes with No. 20. Perhaps there’s a team that is content sliding backwards and picking up an extra pick in the process.

The Timberwolves traded up back in 2015 when they grabbed Tyus Jones at No. 24 in exchange for Nos. 31 and 36, plus their 2019 second-rounder. So, two high second-rounders plus a third pick to get back into the first round. Depending on where they want to end up in the first round, attaching this year’s No. 48 probably won’t get them up much higher, and they don’t have next year’s second-rounder because of the Jones trade.

Would Thibodeau consider adding Jones as sweetener, planning to pick up a veteran backup point guard in free agency? Remember, Derrick Rose will almost surely be back, whether it’s primarily as a shooting guard or as Jones’ replacement as the backup at the one.

Again, this is pretty unlikely, but there’s always a possibility that it happens.