Minnesota Timberwolves: 3 trades for star-level players

Minnesota Timberwolves trade targets: Fred VanVleet

Fred VanVleet is a name that I floated out as a possible target last offseason as a sign-and-trade candidate. While that didn’t happen, VanVleet’s fit in Minnesota would be seamless. He is more off-ball centric than a player like Rubio, but also provides a large amount of scoring and passing, as well as being a really high-level defender.

VanVleet was less efficient than he had been in previous years for the Raptors this season – averaging 20 points, six assists, and 1.7 steals per game on 39/37/89 splits.

While VanVleet does not offer much interior scoring, again, he would be an excellent complementary guard and option on a team that has D’Angelo Russell, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Anthony Edwards already. In other words, he can pick up slack in extended run with the second unit or play alongside Russell/Edwards as a “glue guy” of sorts.

The Raptors, 27-45, seem to be rebuilding, so they may look to capitalize on VanVleet’s value before he ages out of his prime – and in Minnesota – he would make a lot of sense.

The financials of the VanVleet contract also align with Anthony Edwards, meaning when Edwards eventually becomes a (restricted) free agent, VanVleet’s larger deal will be expiring.

It’s not like he’s on a huge, massive contract, either. He will be making about $20 million per season over the next two years, and he has a $22 million player option in 2023 – something he will more than likely accept.

VanVleet brings much-needed playoff experience, while only being 27 years old. He’s a lower-end star, but someone that would presumably be more acquire-able than upper-tier, All-NBA caliber players.