Minnesota Timberwolves: 3 under-the-radar trade ideas

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 02: Buddy Hield #24 congratulates Harrison Barnes #40 of the Sacramento Kings during a timeout against the Los Angeles Lakers at Golden 1 Center on April 02, 2021 in Sacramento, 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 Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 02: Buddy Hield #24 congratulates Harrison Barnes #40 of the Sacramento Kings during a timeout against the Los Angeles Lakers at Golden 1 Center on April 02, 2021 in Sacramento, 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 Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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Minnesota Timberwolves, Jaden McDaniels
Harrison Barnes of the Sacramento Kings handles the ball against Jaden McDaniels of the Minnesota Timberwolves. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images)

The Minnesota Timberwolves could really use some experience in the frontcourt, and that is exactly what they would be acquiring with Harrison Barnes – a one-time NBA champion (with the Steph/Klay/Dray Warriors in 2015).

Minnesota Timberwolves: 3 under-the-radar trade ideas

Barnes is a steady, consistent force on both offense and defense, averaging 15 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists per game on shooting splits of 48/39/82 – that is a really good player to have in the frontcourt, especially if the Timberwolves are attempting to make a run for the playoffs in the coming seasons.

Here, the Kings are doing a few things: clearing up salary in both 2021 and 2022. This offseason, their main goal is likely to retain Richaun Holmes. With their current financial situation and CBA regulations, it will be very difficult to do that. So the third team takes on extra salary for the price of a second-round pick, while the Timberwolves take on Harrison Barnes, giving up two young players (that could impress this season) in Josh Okogie and Juan Hernangomez.

It is hard to state the impact that Barnes would have on the Timberwolves – but it would clearly be a positive one – and his addition would not cost much to acquire – the Timberwolves keep their four most valuable assets (Towns, Edwards, Beasley, and Russell).

There is some risk, though, as Barnes does carry a high salary. But for a small market who won’t have cap space in the long-term anyways, this is just the cost of doing business.