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Minnesota Timberwolves: 3 Russell trades if the Wolves get Cunningham

By James Piercey

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 19: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys drives past Elijah Cuffee #10 of the Liberty Flames during the second half the first round game of the 2021 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Indiana Farmers Coliseum on March 19, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 19: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys drives past Elijah Cuffee #10 of the Liberty Flames during the second half the first round game of the 2021 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Indiana Farmers Coliseum on March 19, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 22: Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 22: Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /

A recurring theme in this article will be the Timberwolves’ need to pair Karl Anthony Towns, their offensively prodigious but defensively limited star center, with a versatile, defensive minded power forward.

Larry Nance Jr and his 1.7 steals per game feels like an appropriate starting point. His 36% shooting from three-point range does nothing to hurt the Wolves’ floor spacing, either. He’s the type of plug-and-play 4 the Wolves should be targeting this offseason no matter what.

Minnesota Timberwolves: 3 D’Angelo Russell trades if the Timberwolves get Cade Cunningham

With that said, the centerpiece of this deal from the Wolves’ perspective is Marcus Smart. He had a slightly down year for the C’s this season, but his defensive intensity and leadership would still be a significant upgrade for a Timberwolves roster that has lacked both of those qualities for, frankly, a long time. He could play a key utility role off the bench, seeing minutes at both guard spots, and even the small forward position if Coach Finch is amendable to some three guard lineups.

The Celtics, assuming they lose to the Brooklyn Nets in the first round of this years’ playoffs, are in desperate need of offensive creation and star power. Russell scratches both itches. They should be happy to part with these proposed players to bring him into the fold.

As for the Cavs, they’re dumping a vet to collect two intriguing young players in Williams III and Prichard. They don’t have any good reason to reunite with Thompson, and he’s only here to make the money work. They would likely look to re-route him to a contender.