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Minnesota Timberwolves: 3 Josh Okogie trades to consider

By Dylan Jackson

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 27: Josh Okogie #20 of the Minnesota Timberwolves gets past Dennis Schroder #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers in the first half at Staples Center on December 27, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. 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 aImages License Agreement. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 27: Josh Okogie #20 of the Minnesota Timberwolves gets past Dennis Schroder #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers in the first half at Staples Center on December 27, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. 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 aImages License Agreement. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images) /
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DENVER, CO – APRIL 26: Bol Bol #10 of the Denver Nuggets, possible Minnesota Timberwolves target. (Photo by C. Morgan Engel/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – APRIL 26: Bol Bol #10 of the Denver Nuggets, possible Minnesota Timberwolves target. (Photo by C. Morgan Engel/Getty Images) /

Minnesota Timberwolves: One upside player and a pick for Okogie

If there’s one thing that their first-round series exposed against the Portland Trail Blazers, it’s that the Denver Nuggets really need more point-of-attack defense from their guards and wings. While Aaron Gordon has undoubtedly been a great addition, getting a true defensive specialist to add to their rotation could complete what Denver is building.

The loss of Gary Harris isn’t insignificant – he is clearly a good player. Okogie can replicate what he brought for several seasons in Denver, being able to guard the opponent’s primary ball-handler (or most talented wing).

For the Timberwolves, they get two assets – one is the high-upside Bol Bol that very clearly needs more development (but will get more play time on a team that is known to be worse than Denver) – and the other is a late-first round draft pick.

Bol Bol can slot in as a small forward/power forward combo (many think of him as a big but that is not where his best skills are) that should be able to get on the floor behind Edwards/Beasley/McDaniels.

Bol appeared in just over 30 games for the Nuggets this year, averaging only two points per game this past season. Bol averaged splits of 43/38/67 this season – although keep in mind he only played in 160 total minutes.

He’s a project, and at 21 years old – that’s okay. But he will certainly get more run in Minnesota – a team that can afford to take a risk on him. Additionally the draft pick in this deal is valuable. The aforementioned targets of Ziaire Williams and Usman Garuba still apply, despite the Nuggets picking 26th.

Next. 3 ways for the Timberwolves to upgrade each position. dark

The Denver Nuggets are also one of the best talent-developers among NBA teams, and it’s possible his offense improves drastically under Mike Malone. A Josh Okogie trade could be beneficial for all three parties (Okogie, Wolves, second team) – and that’s something that general manager Gersson Rosas has to consider this offseason.

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