"With the NBA Draft just several hours away, the Minnesota Timberwolves are being extremely active. Are they planning on making a drastic trade?"
According to Jeff Goodman of Stadium, the Timberwolves have had discussions in regards to moving up to the No. 4 spot in the 2019 NBA Draft. This would be done by trading away recently acquired wing, Robert Covington.
New Orleans boss David Griffin trying to get another first-rounder and also a player on a good contract for the No. 4 pick. Told there have been discussions between Pels No. 4 pick and Minnesota involving No. 11 and Robert Covington.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) June 20, 2019
In this hypothetical trade scenario, Minnesota would send Robert Covington and the No. 11 pick to the New Orleans Pelicans. The Pelicans would send Minnesota the No. 4 pick, which they recently acquired in the blockbuster trade involving Anthony Davis with the Los Angeles Lakers. Although this is just a reported rumor as of now, it could make sense for both teams.
Robert Covington was acquired by Minnesota in the 2018-19 season from the Philadelphia 76ers as part of the return package for Jimmy Butler. In 22 games with the Timberwolves last season, Covington produced 14.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.3 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game. He played a significant role, averaging 34.7 minutes per game.
Covington is the ultimate 3-and-D role player in the NBA. Standing at 6’9, he has the length and versatility to guard almost any position on the court. Offensively, he is an excellent 3-point shooter, at 37.2 percent with Minnesota last season.
This trade would make sense for the New Orleans Pelicans, who have lacked wing depth for several years. Having both Brandon Ingram and Robert Covington on the floor together would be extremely exciting and provide them a ton of length.
For the Timberwolves, however, this trade makes less sense. Covington is one of the best players on the currently constructed roster and is just 28 years old. He is also on a very manageable contract of roughly $12 million per year through the 2021-22 season.
With that being said, the Timberwolves may need to take a risk to raise their ceiling. It’s not often you get the opportunity to select within the top-five of an NBA Draft. Minnesota would have the opportunity to draft a player like Darius Garland, Jarrett Culver, Coby White, or Cameron Reddish.
Perhaps this is the type of risk that could pay off in a major way and result in them acquiring their next franchise cornerstone alongside Karl-Anthony Towns. It will be interesting to see what happens as the Minnesota Timberwolves look to build a roster worthy of a playoff appearance next season.