Minnesota Timberwolves: Passing on Cade Cunningham would be a mistake

There’s a lot that the Minnesota Timberwolves could do if they do, actually, keep their draft selection after the lottery happens later this month. That said, if they are lucky enough to be awarded the first overall pick for the second consecutive season, they should not consider trading the pick.

The Minnesota Timberwolves don’t have much of a storied past – outside of Kevin Garnett. That said, it looks as though Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards are committed to building a contender in Minnesota. There’s a lot of ways the team could go about acquiring a third star, assuming it already isn’t on the roster (referring to D’Angelo Russell, who will have to step up next season).

Minnesota Timberwolves: Passing on Cade Cunningham would be a mistake

Cade Cunningham, though, is about as close as it gets to a surefire star. As a 6-foot-8 point guard, he brings elite vision and defense as well as high-level shooting, versatility, and rebounding. He is unquestionably the best prospects in this draft class – and one of the best prospects (if not THE best) since Anthony Davis.

There’s a lot of talk (or conversation, rather) about the Timberwolves possibly moving their pick if they do keep it during the draft lottery – especially if it lands first overall.

But no, they shouldn’t do that. Cade Cunningham would be an excellent fit for the current team, even if he did have to play out of position, as the small forward (Russell/Edwards being the two guards in the lineup).

The Timberwolves would have to be given a lot in order to move off of Cunningham for it to actually be worth it for them. There is no real weakness in his game – the only thing that even gives any resemblance of pause is the lack of true, bouncy athleticism. Cunningham is more fluid in his approach to the game – he’s not going to beat truly elite defenders off of the dribble every time – but as stated – he does not need to do that in order to succeed.

Look, the Timberwolves could do a lot this offseason, but if they are awarded the first overall pick and actually trade it – well, there isn’t much I could say to defend the decision, obviously pending what the return was.