Minnesota Timberwolves: The Pelicans might be selling Lonzo Ball

The Minnesota Timberwolves could use a pass-first defensive presence in their backcourt.

The Minnesota Timberwolves need to fill out their guard rotation, and it seems as though Lonzo Ball has become available via trade. In an article for The Athletic (subscription required), David Aldridge made a note that the Pelicans may be looking to shake up their roster, and that Ball looked as though he may not be in their future plans.

For the Timberwolves, acquiring Ball would mean taking on a two-way guard that can do a variety of things. This past year for New Orleans, he averaged 12 points, six rebounds, seven assists, and 1.4 steals. Ball shot 40-percent from the field, 38-percent from three, and 57-percent from the free throw line.

While Ball’s splits may initially look low (and his free throw numbers need to improve), it is important to note that he takes over six 3-pointers per game while only attempting less than five twos per game.

Ball’s defense is better than his offense, though. He brought 2.1 defensive win shares this past year for the Pelicans and also had a defensive box plus-minus of 0.5. Ball is a playmaker on both ends of the floor, and at only 22 years old, would be an excellent backcourt complement to D’Angelo Russell.

The offer:

The Minnesota Timberwolves likely will not have to give up much to obtain Ball, who would be joining the third team of his career. While he has not lived up to 2nd-overall-draft-pick expectations, Ball is an effective complementary player that can contend on both ends of the floor. Bringing him in would be a move that helps the Timberwolves win both now an in the future. Ball is a player that fits the timelines of both Russell and Karl-Anthony Towns, although it should be noted that he only has one more year on his contract before he hits restricted free agency.

Minnesota has missed having a player that can play make at the level which Ball can. Bringing in that skill set would allow Russell to take on more of a scoring responsibility rather than also having to run an offense. The pick-and-roll ability between Ball and Towns would also be incredible (as seen by his immense success with Zion Williamson).

If the price is right, Gersson Rosas should not hesitate in pulling the trigger.