Minnesota Timberwolves: 5 dream trades for star players

Bradley Beal

Minnesota Timberwolves: 5 dream trades for star players

*Wizards also receive 2020 first-round pick, 2023 first-round pick, and 2022 second-round pick (via Denver or Philadelphia)*

Why the Wolves Accept This Trade

Bradley Beal’s name has continuously been on the trading block since the start of the 2019 offseason.

The two-time All-Star has a unique skillset that any team in the league would love to acquire. Unfortunately for Beal, his running mate of John Wall has been injury-plagued and has caused the Washington Wizards to be a middle-of-the-pack team in the Eastern Conference.

Beal is an incredible offensive player, putting up averages of 21 points and four assists on 45 percent shooting and 38 percent from deep so far through his career. His game would open up playing next to Towns and Russell, while also providing space for the Towns-Russell pick-and-roll.

Defensively, Beal isn’t at the level of Paul and Simmons, but he is not a liability on that side of the ball. This is a win for a Minnesota team that has had well-documented struggles when it comes to defense. Beal also has the opportunity to continue to grow on defense as he will be 27 entering next season, and his best defensive seasons took place while playing for Wizards teams battling for playoff positions in the East.

Overall, Beal is a top-level player that does not become available often. Minnesota should jump at the opportunity to bring in a third star next to KAT and DLo.

Isaac Bonga is another young player who could provide Minnesota with depth on the wing. He fits into the Wolves’ offensive scheme as he can stretch the floor, shooting 40 percent so far this season, and has the ability to develop into a quality defender as he has impressive size and length.

Why the Wizards Accept This Trade

Washington has a mix of All-Stars in Beal and Wall and young players with potential. However, with the serious injury to John Wall’s Achilles tendon in 2019, the Wizards look like they are best off rebuilding for the future.

Beal is a perennial All-Star, meaning he does not exactly fit into the Wizards timeline. Now is the time to cash in on his value.

Acquiring Culver and Beasley provides Washington with young talent that fits in with the current roster. Culver is a playmaker who has improved throughout his rookie season. He can develop into a playmaking guard/wing with game-changing defensive play.

Beasley has proved he can continue to shoot efficiently with increased playing time along with off-the-dribble playmaking we have not seen from him before. He can step in right away as the starting shooting guard for the Wizards.

Along with two young players who still have a lot of potential the Wizards secure three draft picks in the trade. This is important for a rebuilding team that will be looking to build for the future.

Sure, many of the above trades may seem unlikely, but it’s hard to call them unrealistic. But is that not, at least in part, the beauty of dreams?