Dunking With Wolves
Fansided

Minnesota Timberwolves: 3 teams that could trade for Malik Beasley

ByDylan Jackson|
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - MARCH 31: RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks defends against Malik Beasley #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the game at Target Center on March 31, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Knicks 102-101. 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 (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - MARCH 31: RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks defends against Malik Beasley #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the game at Target Center on March 31, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Knicks 102-101. 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 (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
3 of 4
Minnesota Timberwolves, Malik Beasley
Malik Beasley of the Minnesota Timberwolves. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)

Minnesota Timberwolves: The New Orleans Pelicans could trade for Malik Beasley

The New Orleans Pelicans really, really need shooting – especially from the wing position. After losing JJ Redick (or even before, actually), the Pelicans were one of the worst 3-point shooting teams in the league (by volume AND percentage). Malik Beasley would add about 40-percent shooting from beyond the arc WITH volume (roughly nine attempts per game).

The Timberwolves would add even more assets to an already-young team, either allowing them to keep those young players/picks, or deal them for a different veteran. The New Orleans Pelicans’ first-round pick is expected to be within the late lottery this offseason – and the two picks in 2022 could be valuable should the Timberwolves draft pick convey during that season.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker is an interesting young piece that the Timberwolves could add to the guard rotation going forward. He has an interesting mix of size, shooting, and athleticism – and he displayed much more passing at the college level. It would be interesting to see how he was used in a non-Van Gundy system with more spacing around him.

If they decided to keep the first-round selection in this trade, the Timberwolves would have various options with the pick – like selecting Duke’s Jalen Johnson – an athletic 3/4 combo forward that brings spacing, rebounding, and possible floor spacing. Another option could be Michigan’s Franz Wagner, a smooth, high-IQ player that knows how to score efficiently and defend.

Either way, this is a great package for a high-level role player and should be considered if the Pelicans actually approach the Timberwolves about parting with Beasley.

Home/Timberwolves News