While Whiteside has been in trade rumors over the past few years, nothing tangible has hit the news with his name in it until just this pass week with a possible deal to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
But just a few days ago, Sam Amick a reporter for USA Today illustrates a possible deal with some role players from Miami below:
Now...a possible Rockets deal sending Ryan Anderson to Miami for James Johnson or Tyler Johnson, or someone else the Houston brass thinks can help? That’s definitely something they’d have interest in (no specific position targeted). But Bazemore isn’t part of their discussions.
— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) August 8, 2018
If the report is correct, then not only is co-captain of the Heat James Johnson a possible candidate for a big time trade, but also capable sixth man Tyler Johnson who the Timberwolves would love to have.
While both constructed trades on this article are curious moves for the Timberwolves, I believe this one is the best.
The Wolves get to move Andrew Wiggins to a far better suited position at shooting guard, and Karl-Anthony Towns – as stated before – gets to go to a more natural position at Power Forward.
The rotation would be Teague, Wiggins, Johnson, Towns, and the big man Whiteside. The height and length on that rotation is a plus defensively already. Moreover, having a scorer off the bench that can give you 12-13 points per game at only 26-years-old is definitely a good move after losing Jamal Crawford.
The 2019 lottery protected draft pick will definitely work in the Wolves favor. The Eastern Conference is lackluster and the duo of Jimmy Butler and Goran Dragic would be a shoe-in for the playoffs.
In conclusion, why wouldn’t you want to move Butler’s rental contract instead of giving him a $180 million max contract next summer when you already have Wiggins on the max and soon-to-be KAT on the max.
Simple, right?