Dunking With Wolves
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Minnesota Timberwolves: What if there was an expansion draft?

By Dylan Jackson

19 Jan 2001: Terrell Brandon #7 of the Minnesota Timberwolves jumps to shoot the ball the ball during the game against the Seattle SuperSonics at the Key Arena in Seattle, Washington. The Timberwolves defeated the SuperSonics 98-93. NOTE TO USER: It is expressly understood that the only rights Allsport are offering to license in this Photograph are one-time, non-exclusive editorial rights. No advertising or commercial uses of any kind may be made of Allsport photos. User acknowledges that it is aware that Allsport is an editorial sports agency and that NO RELEASES OF ANY TYPE ARE OBTAINED from the subjects contained in the photographs.Mandatory Credit: Otto Greule Jr. /Allsport
19 Jan 2001: Terrell Brandon #7 of the Minnesota Timberwolves jumps to shoot the ball the ball during the game against the Seattle SuperSonics at the Key Arena in Seattle, Washington. The Timberwolves defeated the SuperSonics 98-93. NOTE TO USER: It is expressly understood that the only rights Allsport are offering to license in this Photograph are one-time, non-exclusive editorial rights. No advertising or commercial uses of any kind may be made of Allsport photos. User acknowledges that it is aware that Allsport is an editorial sports agency and that NO RELEASES OF ANY TYPE ARE OBTAINED from the subjects contained in the photographs.Mandatory Credit: Otto Greule Jr. /Allsport /
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The No-Brainer Decisions

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 23: Injured Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves watches his team play against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on December 23, 2019 in San Francisco, California. 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 23: Injured Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves watches his team play against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on December 23, 2019 in San Francisco, California. 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Players ruled ineligible from being protected: Evan Turner (UFA), James Johnson (PO)

Karl-Anthony Towns

Towns is one of the most talented players in Timberwolves history. He has the potential to be the greatest player to ever wear a Minnesota uniform. Towns could be a superstar and a top-10 player. There is absolutely no reason the Timberwolves would not protect him. The goal is to build a team around Towns that has a chance at becoming a contender. Though it hasn’t happened yet, Towns is still one of the best young players in the NBA and will continue to at least be an All-Star for a large part of his career.

Verdict: Protected (one of eight)

D’Angelo Russell

Russell is another incredibly easy decision. The Timberwolves traded multiple assets in order to obtain him, so it is clear that Gersson Rosas values his game. Russell is an All-Star guard that would inevitably help a possible Minnesota playoff run. He brings a lot of scoring and facilitation. Russell and Towns could be one of the better duos in the NBA going forward, and both are under contract for many years after 2020.

Verdict: Protected (two of eight)

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