Minnesota Timberwolves: 3 trades for Damian Lillard

The Minnesota Timberwolves, once again, are giving up a package centering around Anthony Edwards. Additionally, Ricky Rubio and Malik Beasley are being shipped out. Instead of getting Beasley directly, though, the Trail Blazers are getting the 19th and 21st picks in the 2021 NBA Draft – something they would probably prefer to a win-now role player.

Minnesota Timberwolves: 3 trades for Damian Lillard

Again, there’s absolutely going to be some hesitancy to include Edwards in a package for Lillard, but if they were going to do it – he would be the player targeted. It makes sense on almost every level, especially from a win-now perspective. The Timberwolves would have at least 2-3 years of competitive basketball, assuming both Towns and Lillard continue the level of play they have proven to be capable of the past few seasons.

Rubio, additionally, continues to get to mentor Anthony Edwards as he is being traded to the Trail Blazers as well – his salary allows the deal to happen.

There isn’t enough that can be said about just how good the Timberwolves would be if this trade were completed. They would immeadiately be Western Conference contenders (perhaps top-5 seed range). With an innovative coach and other young pieces around (Bolmaro, McDaniels), this deal makes a lot of sense for all teams involved. The Knicks, too, would be getting a high-level role player that fits their team well at a low cost in Malik Beasley.

TLDR: The Timberwolves should pursue a trade for Damian Lillard. It might be costly, but it could be worth it – especially if it ends up bringing a championship to Minnesota.