Minnesota Timberwolves: 3 realistic trades for a power forward
By Nate Ackert
Minnesota Timberwolves trade for Taurean Prince
From the Wolves’ perspective, this trade makes sense for a number of reasons.
Although Taurean Prince is a combo forward with the ability to play both the 3 and the 4, the Wolves would more than likely use him at the 4-spot given their current abundance of wings.
At the 4, Prince helps address a number of concerns for the Wolves. Much like Nance, Prince’s athleticism makes him a force on the boards and a strong perimeter defender. Prince has also shown the ability to shoot from distance consistently, averaging 36.4% on 3-point attempts in his career.
Given his reduced role on the Nets this season with Kevin Durant back in the fold, Prince is likely dispensable in the eyes of the Brooklyn front office.
In return, Brooklyn would receive a package that makes sense for them as well. With Spencer Dinwiddie going down for the season with a partially torn ACL, the Nets might need to invest in more depth at guard, and Culver would be an improvement over Dinwiddie from a defensive standpoint.
As a team looking to contend for a title this season, the Nets are going to need defensive depth in order for their second unit to be able to hang with the likes of Philadelphia, Boston, Milwaukee, and Miami. Culver would add defensive help and an improving offensive arsenal while Ed Davis would bring in leadership experience and help for DeAndre Jordan and Jarrett Allen.
Ultimately, this trade comes down to trading a lower-usage player for some defensive help for their second unit.