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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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Caris LeVert

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 10: Spencer Dinwiddie #26 of the Brooklyn Nets reacts to his offensive foul with Caris LeVert #22 during a 104-102 win over the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on March 10, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) 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.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 10: Spencer Dinwiddie #26 of the Brooklyn Nets reacts to his offensive foul with Caris LeVert #22 during a 104-102 win over the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on March 10, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) 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. /

Why the Wolves Say Yes:

Caris LeVert has had a great 2019-2020 season in Brooklyn, averaging 17.7 points and 4.1 assists per game at the Shooting Guard position before the onset of the pandemic. LeVert also has playing experience with D’Angelo Russell in Brooklyn, sharing two years together in the Barclays center with Pablo Prigioni as an assistant coach, who now sits on the Wolves’ bench. Should the situation with Malik Beasley’s contract fall through, LeVert could be a versatile scoring option at Shooting Guard. His experience playing with D’Lo and Prigioni would only add to his fit in Ryan Saunders’ offense.

Why the Wolves Say No:

Depending on where exactly the Wolves’ pick lands, they may find a guard in the draft that is more desirable than LeVert. The Wolves may decide that Anthony Edwards or LaMelo Ball would be a better option at a lower price point than LeVert, who is scheduled to earn over $16 million next season. Drafting a Shooting Guard could give the Wolves the option to either keep James Johnson for another year or to use his contract in a different trade. Additionally, if Malik Beasley is re-signed, the Wolves may simply feel that Malik Beasley is a better option for them at Shooting Guard.

Why the Nets Say Yes:

The Nets have a crowded backcourt, and James Johnson is a versatile defender with years of experience. The Nets could use Johnson for the last year of his contract as a “glue” guy who will help the team defensively. Beyond next season, the Nets could either resign Johnson for a lesser contract or use the cap space from his expiring contract to sign a third superstar from a stronger 2021 free-agent class. Furthermore, the addition of a draft pick means the Nets can acquire a young, cheap asset through the draft to complement Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant, and any other star the team may choose to sign in the future.

Why the Nets Say No:

While this season was a “gap year” for the Nets due to the injuries of Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant, the team is in “Win-Now” mode. The team may feel more comfortable trading for proven assets rather than investing in a draft pick. Caris LeVert’s market value is currently unknown, and may prove to be worth more to the Nets than what the Wolves are prepared to offer, especially in an offseason with a weak free-agent class.

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