Minnesota Timberwolves: Idea for 3-team trade with Orlando and Toronto

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TORONTO, CANADA – JANUARY 30: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Serge Ibaka #9 of the Toronto Raptors high five after the game on January 30, 2018 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Mark Blinch/NBAE via Getty Images) /

First off, contractually this works out just fine for the 2018-19 season.

The stretch-four Serge Ibaka has been known around the league for his blocking abilities on the defensive end and his 3-point shooting on the offensive end. His defense has definitely downgraded since leaving Oklahoma City, but his offensive ability is apparent.

Ibaka’s ex-teammate Nikola Vucevic will also be added to this deal making the Wolves a very intriguing roster – this big man can score at will.

The Timberwolves would be getting rid of their experimental center in Gorgui Dieng, who’s $15 million won’t be missed due to head coach Tom Thibodeau slimming down his minutes last season.

What the Wolves will miss most in this deal was their glue in Taj Gibson, as well as a 2019 second round pick. Both of these are great assets, one is a rental deal that is a great team player and veteran and the other is a potential young prospect.

However, what the Wolves get in return is an interesting package. We’ll delve deeper into that on the next slide.

Now what do the Toronto Raptors get from this?

They get to do what they wanted, shed their cap for more wiggle room over the next few seasons.

Serge Ibaka’s $43 million over the next two seasons, and Norman Powell’s $40 million over the next four. Their idea is to save money for future players and keep Kawhi Leonard in Toronto, this could help them do just that.

The Raptors would be getting Timberwolves power forward Taj Gibson, who will definitely fit Serge Ibaka’s role fairly well – albeit the 3-pointers.

The more exciting pick up is the one-year rental of former Raptor Terrence Ross, who would love to make a comeback in Toronto. Ross pairing next to CJ Miles off the bench is an incredible threat on the offensive end of the floor.

The Orlando Magic get to add more youth on a favorable deal with Norman Powell, who wasn’t getting the minutes many analysts thought he deserved in Toronto.

Moving Nikola Vucevic to the Timberwolves will allow the Magic’s rookie Mo Bamba to jump into a starting role in Orlando – as well as let their newly acquired center Gorgui Dieng smoothly fitting into the backup big man role.

The addition of Malachi Richardson and the 2019 second round pick are just the cherries on top for the Magic, who desperately need young talent to build around young stars Aaron Gordon, Evan Fournier, and Mo Bamba.

As stated previously, we’ll now get deeper into this Timberwolves lineup.

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