Minnesota Timberwolves: 2 reasons the Wolves should sign Austin Rivers

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TORONTO, ON – NOVEMBER 23: Austin Rivers #1 of the Washington Wizards points during the first half of an NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on November 23, 2018 in Toronto, 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. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

The Minnesota Timberwolves are 14-16 through their first 30 games of the regular season and are currently stuck as the 13th seed in the Western Conference. Luckily, they’re only four games back from being tied for the 5th seed in the West.

While the Minnesota Timberwolves are only a few games back from being a playoff contender, it’s obvious to a normal fans eye that this team needs more help, and fast.

Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reported over the past weekend that the Phoenix Suns were trading for Austin Rivers and Kelly Oubre Jr. and sending Trevor Ariza to the Washington Wizards for his second stint out in in the D.C. Metro area.

And while it seemed transparently clear that the Suns won this trade, Woj also dropped another bomb last night:

After trade with Wizards, Suns agree to part ways with G Austin Rivers, per ESPN sources. Rivers – earning $12.6M in final year of deal – becomes a free agent upon clearing waivers. As a veteran, sides concluded Rivers fits better on an older team that's pursuing playoffs.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 18, 2018

The 26-year-old two guard has infamously been coveted around the league as an inconsistent shooter and timid defensive player, that at times, can light up an arena. There is a lot of potential in Austin Rivers, who has shown several glimpses of being a really solid asset down-the-stretch in big games.

However, Phoenix has chosen to not go down the Rivers path and focus more on the young group they already possess. Which begs the question that Woj is alluding to: Who is going to pick up the slashing guard?

After having a career season for the Los Angeles Clippers last year, Austin Rivers has fallen off the map this season with the Wizards. Making the former No. 10 draft pick a misunderstood asset around the league.

Rivers can flat out ball for a winning basketball team and his style of play is perfectly suited off the bench. The Wolves seem to be missing a scorer who can come in and relieve the starters. While many believe that should be Derrick Rose and Derrick Rose alone, that’s just not working.

After witnessing the 132-105 thrashing the Wolves’ handed to the Sacramento Kings last night without Jeff Teague in the lineup, it’s obvious that Rose can do the job as a starter.

Playing Tyus Jones next to Austin Rivers coming off the bench with the spark-plug rookie in Josh Okogie just seems more fun that not. Which leaves Jeff Teague to be moved as an asset for a draft pick or another helpful wing or big man that can give tangible depth to the Wolves roster.

If the Timberwolves do intend on keeping Teague and signing Austin Rivers, then that just gives head coach Tom Thibodeau more freedom to innovate with several lineups.

Albeit, if Thibs decides to sign Austin Rivers and take minutes away from Josh Okogie, I think I’ll be sick.

If Rivers can have a showing close to what he was doing last year in the Clippers scheme, averaging 15.1 PPG on 43 percent from the field and 38 percent from downtown, then the signing makes too much sense.

And besides, he’s most likely going to be a veteran minimum, so why not take the chance on a guy that has proven to be a playoff scorer when given the opportunity.

Starting off our two reasons to sign Austin Rivers, we give you his flexibility as a player in the Wolves roster.

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