Friday Mailbag: Can the Timberwolves get Devin Booker?

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First, it’s unbelievable to me that Kenny Atkinson was fired in the first place. I think that there had to be some internal crime-family-esque momentum in order to have that happen. But honestly, if the Timberwolves did actually fire Ryan Saunders (which I would not expect at this point), a better option might be Mike D’Antoni, should he not be re-signed by the Houston Rockets.

D’Antoni, known for his fast-paced basketball system, could be really fun with both Russell and Karl-Anthony Towns running the floor, and I would be all for it.

As for the types of players the Timberwolves should go after in free agency, Ibaka fits the mold of a big that can both protect the rim and stretch the floor. I will say that Giannis Antetokounmpo leaving Milwaukee for Minnesota is highly unlikely — especially if the Wolves use their salary cap space for role players this coming year.

Should the Timberwolves get the first pick, LaMelo Ball would be super fun. There is not any way he is going to be a bust (merely due to his incredible passing ability), but if he can hone in on his shot selection as well as improve his overall consistency as a shooter, he could be a star. My main concern with Ball’s fit on the Wolves is how his defense will be alongside Russell’s.

Another player that makes a lot of sense is Onyeka Okongwu. He’s an uber-mobile big with incredible rim protection ability. It is unknown whether he will be able to stretch the floor moving forward, but he would mitigate some of the defensive liability Towns brings.

Finally, Killian Hayes is a high floor player that has shown elite passing, vision, and scoring at times. He’s likely the “safest” pick in the draft, although he also has some concerns about dribbling and consistency.

Malik Beasley was the main asset acquired in the Robert Covington trade and has been scoring at an elite clip over the past dozen games. General manager Gersson Rosas clearly values him, and I think (unless he’s trying to get a ridiculous amount of money), he is going to be in Minnesota next year. I could see a lower-level team offering Beasley a three-year, $65 million (think Otto Porter, Allen Crabbe) deal due to this free agency class being so weak, however, that is probably on the upper end of the spectrum in terms of possible contracts.

Jordan McLaughlin should be back, as well. I am unaware of how the front office views him, but he’s could develop into a solid rotational guard at some point. He’s an efficient scorer that does not turn the ball over much when playmaking.

The first thing we have to do is construct an offer that the Suns would actually accept. Obviously, nothing would be agreed to until after the draft lottery happened (and it may depend on where the Wolves’ pick lands, but the trade may look something similar to this:

Note: James Johnson is also included in this trade for salary balance purposes.

This offer is essentially three first-round picks (one of which is in the top-6), two players that are at least rotational players (and possibly starters in the future), and an expiring contract. That is the best offer that the Suns are going to get from Minnesota.

But I will say I would be hesitant to send an offer like this. Sure, you would get three star-caliber players, but building up the rest of the team without and draft capital would be extremely difficult. Say the trade went through. Jordan McLaughlin could be brought back on a reasonable contract, and Malik Beasley likely gets $15 million per year. That puts the Timberwolves right at the salary cap. Minnesota also re-signs Hernangomez for two years, $16 million.

They would still need 2-3 more core rotational pieces.

Of course, you would be getting Devin Booker, and typically stars win championships (assuming the Suns would actually accept an offer similar to the one outlined).

I already answered the draft question earlier, so I’ll outline who I think would be the best fit in free agency.

De’Anthony Melton is a name that not many people talk about. He has been excellent on the Grizzlies this past year. Though he’s a restricted free agent, I think he would be nothing short of a perfect fit next to D’Angelo Russell.

This past year he averaged eight points, four rebounds, three assists, and one steal while playing great perimeter defense. He’s a pass-first point guard that’s also a lockdown defender. It is unlikely that Memphis lets him leave, but I think he’s worth much more than whatever offer he gets in free agency.

Second, having the best player in franchise history essentially not want anything to do with the team is absolutely killer if you want to be a free agency player moving forward. There is no better competitive advantage in any pro sports league than having a good owner — and the Timberwolves simply do not.