Minnesota Timberwolves: Trade with Cleveland Cavaliers
1. Cleveland Cavaliers
Pros
For the Timberwolves
Cedi Osman has averaged 9.6 points per game on 36 percent 3-point shooting for the Cavs in his career.
Prior to this season’s stoppage, Osman was averaging 11 points per game on 38.3 percent from three, playing the best basketball of his career. Adding Osman to the roster would give the Wolves a bona fide option at the small forward position with the ability to shoot consistently.
Additionally, Dylan Windler, though coming off a lower leg injury, has shown the ability to shoot consistently in his collegiate career, which could make a nice pice for the Wolves to pick up. Ultimately, this trade helps the Wolves solidify the 3-spot, a place where they currently lack depth.
For the Cavaliers
Jarrett Culver offers outstanding athletic ability, particularly on the defensive end. He has shown flashes of offensive prowess but has struggled at times to fit into the Wolves’ offensive scheme.
Giving Culver the change of scenery he needs could bring out the best in his offensive potential that the world witnessed in the 2019 NCAA Tournament. Additionally, the Wolves 2020 second-round pick will be a high pick, making it similar to a low first-round pick in terms of value.
Cons
For the Timberwolves
Culver is one of the Wolves’ best defensive players, and on a defense that ranked second-worst in the NBA this season, the Wolves can hardly afford to lose strong defenders.
There is also the possibility that with time, Culver could continue to improve, especially since his shooting significantly improved after the 2020 trade deadline. Additionally, draft capital will be important for the Wolves going forward, especially if they hope to land a third star to play alongside D’Angelo Russell and Karl-Anthony Towns.
For the Cavaliers
The Cavs are loaded with contracts that are arguably low-value, including the contracts of Kevin Love, Andre Drummond, and Larry Nance, Jr.
However, Osman and Windler are both contracts that are more favorable for the team, which may make them more desirable for the team to keep. The Cavs risk losing some of their most valuable contracts with this trade in exchange for uncertainty in Culver and draft capital.