Minnesota Timberwolves: A trade with each team in the bottom 8
By Nate Ackert
Minnesota Timberwolves: Trade with Charlotte Hornets
3. Charlotte Hornets
Pros
For the Timberwolves
This trade adds depth at the shooting guard and small forward positions for the Wolves.
A former lottery pick, Malik Monk averaged 10.3 points and 2.9 assists per game this season for the Hornets as he clearly improved his game. Miles Bridges is a career 33 percent 3-point shooter who averaged 13 points and 5.6 rebounds per game this season and can add a defensive edge.
They are both proven, athletic wings who could potentially be great fits the Wolves’ high-octane offense — system that has not necessarily fit Culver.
For the Hornets
This trade gives the Hornets similar offensive output while improving defensively, as Culver and Layman rank near the top of the Wolves in defensive rating among players in the regular rotation.
Plus, the addition of an early second-round pick provides an opportunity to add another low-cost piece to their young core. A new system could bring out the potential in Culver, especially playing alongside guards like Terry Rozier and Devonte Graham.
Cons
For the Timberwolves
Trading away Culver and Layman would mean losing two defensively-sound wings, which are not exactly plentiful on the Wolves’ roster.
Monk and Bridges both rank in the bottom three in defensive rating on the Hornets, which is a major cause for concern for a team with the second-worst defense in the NBA. Additionally, the Wolves must factor in the risk of giving up on Jarrett Culver too early, as he has shown flashes of his true potential since the trade deadline.
For the Hornets
Monk and Bridges are both proven commodities; coaches know what they are getting with these players. However, Culver and Layman come with more risk.
Culver has yet to show consistency on offense and Layman is coming off a severe foot injury that cost him 41 games in the regular season. While this trade has upside, the Hornets already have a bird in hand with Monk and Bridges, and may not see a second-round pick as enough incentive to pull the trigger.