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6 trades for the Timberwolves’ first pick in the 2020 NBA Draft

By Nate Ackert

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 10: Spencer Dinwiddie #26 and Caris Levert #22 of the Brooklyn Nets. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 10: Spencer Dinwiddie #26 and Caris Levert #22 of the Brooklyn Nets. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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Buddy Hield

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 11: Buddy Hield #24 of the Sacramento Kings leaves the court after their game against the New Orleans Pelicans was postponed due to the corona virus at Golden 1 Center on March 11, 2020 in Sacramento, 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)
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 11: Buddy Hield #24 of the Sacramento Kings leaves the court after their game against the New Orleans Pelicans was postponed due to the corona virus at Golden 1 Center on March 11, 2020 in Sacramento, 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) /

Why the Wolves Say Yes:

Similar to the Zach LaVine trade, the Wolves see Buddy Hield as an upgrade over Malik Beasley. Hield has averaged 19.5 points per game on 38.5% from three this season in the amidst a public dispute with the Kings coaching staff, making him a prime trade candidate.

Following a double-overtime loss to the Timberwolves in December, Buddy Hield said the following in his post-game press conference,

"Seems like we’re all over the place — coaches and everybody…Trust issues going on, I guess. Guys stop believing in players. It is what it is. They have who they have playing out there and I just have to be supportive"

Hield offers top-notch three-point shooting, something the Wolves’ front office has prioritized while reshaping the roster. A consistent, athletic shooter on the wing with all-around scoring capabilities could be a great compliment to the Russell-Towns pick-and-roll action. With this trade, the Wolves will acquire a third all-star talent that fits their offensive scheme.

Why the Wolves Say No:

The Wolves could be content with Malik Beasley as the starter at shooting guard. His price range may be preferable to a contract like Hield’s that is closer to the max. The Wolves front office and coaching staff may feel more comfortable investing in other positions like Small Forward and Power Forward in order to strengthen the Wolves defense and depth to better support Karl-Anthony Towns and D’Angelo Russell.

Why the Kings Say Yes:

A franchise with a disgruntled star, the Kings may see trading Hield as a way to gather young assets to build around De’Aaron Fox. Acquiring Malik Beasley would offer a solid replacement for Hield with a lower price tag, and James Johnson could provide toughness, defensive support, and guidance to a young team for one year on his expiring contract. Johnson’s expiring contract will leave the King’s with cap space following next season to supplement any missing pieces to their young core. Finally, similar to the Bulls, the Kings already possess a likely top-10 pick in this draft, and may want to add another top-10 player in this draft to their young core.

Why the Kings Say No:

The Kings may see the Buddy Hield situation as salvageable, believing that winning will heal the issues Hield has had with the front office and Luke Walton. Rather than investing in this year’s draft, the Kings may decide to continue building around a backcourt of Buddy Hield and De’Aaron Fox. Furthermore, even with the prospect of cap space the following season, James Johnson’s contract may not be attractive to a team with Harrison Barnes’ $22.2 million contract on its books next season.

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