The Minnesota Timberwolves could use a high-level 3-and-D guard.
The Minnesota Timberwolves have a plethora of assets to use in order to acquire talent this offseason. One of the best fits that they could go after is Boston two-guard Marcus Smart, who is coming off of a season which he averaged 13 points, four rebounds, and five assists.
Smart, named to two-time All-Defense teams over the course of his six-season-long career, has come a long way since he was a rookie for the Celtics. Since entering the league, Smart’s shot has improved to the point where it is consistent and reliable, as well as his passing becoming one of his best assets on offense.
Smart’s defense, as stated, is where he makes his money, though. He has averaged over 1.3 steals per game each season of his career, with that number being over 1.6 steals per game over the course of the past two years. He is easily the best defensive guard in the league, as well as carrying a net positive on/off rating on one of the best five teams in the NBA.
The Timberwolves acquiring Smart would be a difficult task, as I’m sure the Celtics would rather not part with him. However, if the price is met, Danny Ainge might be willing to pull the trigger.
The Minnesota Timberwolves bringing in both Smart and Theis would be a good move if they are not sold on any of the top prospects this year. Both of those players are rotation-worthy and both could play heavy minutes for a team that is extremely top-heavy in terms of roster talent currently. The Wolves also getting back a lottery pick would mean they still acquire at least some young talent.
For the Celtics, they are finally able to fulfill their need of a high upside two-way big man in James Wiseman of Memphis. Wiseman has the potential to be able to stretch the floor in addition to providing lots of rim protecting ability. He would be a great player to have for a team that is extremely perimeter-centric as is.
The Timberwolves would be giving up the first overall pick in a relatively weak draft class, but to get a player as good as Smart who has proven to play at a very high level in playoff minutes is probably better than what most packages would be for the first selection.