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Minnesota Timberwolves: 3 trades for Damian Lillard

By Dylan Jackson

PORTLAND, OREGON - JUNE 03: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers attempts a three point basket against the Denver Nuggets during Round 1, Game 6 of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Moda Center on June 03, 2021 in Portland, Oregon. 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 Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON - JUNE 03: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers attempts a three point basket against the Denver Nuggets during Round 1, Game 6 of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Moda Center on June 03, 2021 in Portland, Oregon. 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 Steph Chambers/Getty Images) /
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Minnesota Timberwolves
Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers dribbles the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

The Minnesota Timberwolves, with this trade, would be getting a perinnial All-NBA point guard whose game should age gracefully. Lillard has shown zero signs of slowing down as he enters his early-30s, and the combination between he, Karl-Anthony Towns, and D’Angelo Russell would be absolutely lethal – and one of the best trios in the entire Western Conference.

Minnesota Timberwolves: 3 trades for Damian Lillard

Of course, the Timberwolves would have more work to do building the roster around those three players. Jarrett Culver, Jaden McDaniels, Josh Okogie, and Leandro Bolmaro is a solid start, still, but again, if Minnesota would want to make a deep playoff run – it would not be enough surrounding talent – though the team would still presumably be better than the current-day Trail Blazers.

Over the course of the season (and offseason) following a trade like the one above, the Timberwolves would have to continue to build around the roster – with trades and free agency signings of low-cost, high-value options along the wings specifically. Hopefully, the team would continue to get development from both Jaden McDaniels and Leandro Bolmaro enough to where they become starting-caliber players.

Again, though, the Timberwolves are going to have to be willing to part with Anthony Edwards if they want a shot at Lillard, especially with the market being as crowded as it would be for suitors.

Additionally, just to sell the fit even more, I do think that Lillard and Russell could work together in the backcourt.