Minnesota Timberwolves: 1 trade w/ every lottery scenario

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 15: Miles Bridges #0 of the Charlotte Hornets celebrates after his dunk in the fourth quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on May 15, 2021 in New York City.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 Elsa/Getty Images) /

1 of 4

The Minnesota Timberwolves have a lot that hinges on the incoming NBA Draft lottery. For the Timberwolves, it could mean the difference between a generational type talent (or nothing at all).

Back before the 2020 NBA Trade deadline, general manager Gersson Rosas made the trade to acquire All-Star point guard D’Angelo Russell from the Golden State Warriors in exchange for Andrew Wiggins and a top-3 protected future pick.

Well, the protection of the draft pick is an interesting one – and is going to be extremely consequential for both the Warriors and Timberwolves franchises.

For Minnesota, gaining a top-3 pick in a loaded draft class would be a surefire way to improve upon the roster. But it would not be shocking to see the trade-happy Rosas move the pick, possibly for other assets or in combination for a win-now player.

Last offseason, there were several rumors that the Timberwolves were interested in moving the first overall pick after the lottery for either a later pick or a win-now player to help them make a playoff push.

Should they finish with a top-3 pick, it will arguably be even more valuable than the first overall pick in 2020 – simply because of the caliber of player that will be available. Each of Cade Cunningham, Evan Mobley, Jalen Suggs, and Jalen Green are considered to be better prospects than Anthony Edwards was.

There are presumably lots of teams that will be interested, especially with the volume that presumably tanked towards the end of the season.