Minnesota Timberwolves: 3 potential Jarrett Culver trades

Minnesota Timberwolves trade Jarrett Culver to the Atlanta Hawks

A blockbuster deal with the Atlanta Hawks for Collins

This trade involves a massive deal between the Hawks, sending John Collins to the Hawks for Jarrett Culver, Jake Layman, a first-round pick, and a second-round pick.

As previously mentioned, the Timberwolves were reportedly in pre-draft talks with Atlanta involving Jarrett Culver, indicating this trade has some basis in reality.

This trade makes a ton of sense for the Wolves. This is a trade for a proven young power forward with the ability to shoot and rebound consistently. Collins would be an outstanding fit next to Karl-Anthony Towns in the Wolves frontcourt. His athleticism and ability to stretch the floor would be great assets in Ryan Saunders’ offense and it would be a home run to fill the Wolves’ needs at power forward.

For the Hawks, this trade makes sense for a number of reasons.

First, the Hawks drafted Onyeka Okongwu and signed Danilo Gallinari last week, which added to the busy frontcourt in Atlanta which already included Clint Capela. The Hawks’ investment in these bigs raises questions as to Collins’ role going forward, which could make trading him a reasonable option.

If the Hawks are indeed looking to trade John Collins, a first-round pick would be a great return on top of the players they would receive.

Secondly, the Hawks have shown a commitment to shoring up their defense this offseason, signing defensive-minded guards Kris Dunn and Rajon Rondo. This trade would give the Hawks two of the Wolves’ best defensive players and would give them the defensive depth they need to truly compete in the eastern conference.

While this trade doesn’t bring in the same caliber of player as John Collins, the Hawks would ultimately end up with two proven defenders and a first-round pick in exchange, which is a strong return for a player who will be competing with Okongwu, Gallinari, and Capela for minutes. Plus, they wouldn’t have to worry about handing Collins the contract extension that he is due.

Ultimately, Jarrett Culver is a solid young player who simply hasn’t been a good fit in Minnesota. His game may be better suited elsewhere, and the Wolves must consider his market value given how many guards they currently have under contract.