Minnesota Timberwolves: trade-back options with top pick

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 02: RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks in action against the Houston Rockets at Madison Square Garden on March 02, 2020 in New York City. 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. New York Knicks defeated the Houston Rockets 125-123. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 02: RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks in action against the Houston Rockets at Madison Square Garden on March 02, 2020 in New York City. 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. New York Knicks defeated the Houston Rockets 125-123. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
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MIAMI, FLORIDA – MARCH 11: Miles Bridges #0 of the Charlotte Hornets. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA – MARCH 11: Miles Bridges #0 of the Charlotte Hornets. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

THE SECOND TRADE

Miles Bridges has not quite lived up to expectations for the Charlotte Hornets. By advanced metrics, he does not provide much in terms of defense and his offensive stats indicate that, if he were placed on a better team, he would be less of a factor.

Even so, Bridges brings a lot of upside as a two-way forward that can space the floor and defend along the perimeter. The Timberwolves do not have much in terms of players that can play the 3-4 effectively, so Bridges would fit right in the roster.

The Minnesota Timberwolves would also be maintaining a top-3 draft pick. If the Hornets select one of Edwards or Ball, the Timberwolves may be able to still select the other so long as the Warriors select Deni Avdija/Obi Toppin as Kevin O’Connor of the Ringer pointed out in his recent mock draft.

The Hornets making this trade would absolutely be a risk. However, as a team that does not have much excitement within their fanbase, bringing in a persona such as Ball might work well in terms of both marketing and the overall direction of their team.