Dunking With Wolves
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Minnesota Timberwolves: Josh Richardson for Jimmy Butler? Final trade ideas with the Miami Heat

By Trey Flynn

MIAMI, FL - APRIL 3: Hassan Whiteside #21 and Josh Richardson #0 of the Miami Heat during the game against the Atlanta Hawks on April 3, 2018 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. 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 Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - APRIL 3: Hassan Whiteside #21 and Josh Richardson #0 of the Miami Heat during the game against the Atlanta Hawks on April 3, 2018 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. 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 Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – NOVEMBER 24: Goran Dragic #7 of the Miami Heat takes the ball from Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the game on November 24, 2017 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – NOVEMBER 24: Goran Dragic #7 of the Miami Heat takes the ball from Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the game on November 24, 2017 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

We’ve taken the Sacramento Kings out for good measure and to be realistic with what rumors we’ve heard over the past week.

This is what we know:

The Heat love Bam Adebayo and have been rumored to want Hassan Whiteside out of Miami for the past year or so, and the Timberwolves desperately want out of Gorgui Dieng’s contract – which would make that big man swap an A+ upgrade acquisition for the Wolves.

The other factor is the swap of Richardson and Butler, and as we’ve already stated, is definitely a down grade for Minnesota. But considering all the factors from the age comparisons, the front office mishaps in Minny, and the schematic fit of Richardson with Towns and Wiggins, it just makes sense to take this young stud J-Rich.

And finally, Miami packages a protected 2019 first round pick into the mix, making this a done deal.

dark. Next. GM's don't like the Timberwolves

I know we’ll get hate for this, but this has to be the deal on the table, it’s the most realistic and it seems to be the closest to whatever Woj is hearing regarding the Richardson/Adebayo/2019 pick deal.

The new-Timberwolves would look a little like this:

PG, Jeff Teague

SG, Josh Richardson

SF, Andrew Wiggins

PF, Karl-Anthony Towns

C, Hassan Whiteside

Now, I don’t love it, but it actually seems like a more well rounded team than what the Wolves had last season. And whether you believe it or not, the only thing that is seeming to hold Miami back from this deal is if they are truly willing to let Richardson go, simply because of what his career in Miami has meant to their culture.

Oh, and the fear that Butler will leave to Los Angeles or New York next summer (ouch).

Hopefully we’ll find out what happen soon, keep reading here at Dunking With Wolves for more updates on everything Wolves.