Minnesota Timberwolves: 4 trade deadline ideas featuring Ricky Rubio

Trade No. 3: Minnesota Timberwolves acquire Kristaps Porzingis from the Mavs

Yes, the trade is highly unlikely, and Mavs and Wolves fans could argue that this trade is ridiculous, but let’s make the case anyway.

For the Wolves, the idea of Kristaps Porzingis and KAT sharing the floor together has to be at least somewhat enticing. How would teams go about guarding both of them at the same time?

D’Angelo Russell would have a field day in the pick-and-roll game, and at the very least the Wolves would be a tough matchup for most teams in the NBA. Don’t forget that head coach Chris Finch was brought to New Orleans as associate head coach to help implement an offensive system with both DeMarcus Cousins and Anthony Davis, and he runs a system that can cater to two bigs with guard-like skillsets.

It’s easy to suggest that trading Anthony Edwards this early would be a huge mistake, but if Gersson Rosas truly wants to acquire an established star, this is one of the easiest and most immediate avenues to getting one.

For the Mavs, the value of this trade depends on their assessment of Edwards. Luka Doncic is clearly the centerpiece of their franchise, and the challenge now remains to find the pieces to put around him to chase a championship.

If the Mavs aren’t Edwards believers, this trade makes no sense. However, if the Mavs believe in Edwards’ potential, he could be a nice pairing with Luka for years to come. The Mavs would also be getting a veteran point guard in Rubio and a high-upside prospect in Culver.

Given Porzingis’ history of conduct and injury, it is difficult to determine what kind of trade value he would command at this year’s trade deadline. HIs value has definitely fallen since he was traded from New York to Dallas, but this package from the Wolves would at least be competitive with other offers, and if the Mavs decide to move off of Porzingis, this would be a plausible route to do that.

No matter which trade one prefers, Rubio is a prime candidate to be moved. His $17 million-per-year salary gives the front office lots of options in terms of structuring deals that include him. It will be interesting to see if Rubio gets moved at the deadline, or if the front office decides to wait until the offseason to potentially pair him with other assets in a larger deal.