Minnesota Timberwolves: 3 trades with Los Angeles Lakers

The Minnesota Timberwolves and Los Angeles Lakers seem to be at contrasting points in their franchises. One team is constantly contending, while the other has an exciting group of young players.

There are various players on the Timberwolves which it would make sense for the Lakers to acquire. One such player, Malik Beasley, will almost certainly be involved in talks this summer. Despite being a great shooter from the wing, Minnesota may look to move him because of both his roster fit in addition to off-court issues.

Minnesota Timberwolves: 3 trades with Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers, as well, are going to look to add a better supporting cast around LeBron James and Anthony Davis after a disappointing first-round exit following their Championship win back in 2020.

The Minnesota Timberwolves are going to look a to add to core positions, while retaining depth and future assets – something that is more important to small market teams than bigger markets (as teams like the Timberwolves have a tougher time in the buyout market).

In the short-term, the Timberwolves are going to be looking to build up a playoff run – while the Lakers are attempting to get back to their championship form. There are certainly other teams that are going to be interested in Timberwolves players – such as the Philadelphia 76ers – but the Los Angeles Lakers are in a unique spot with their roster breakdown of two stars and additional limited surrounding role players.

The way that these trades are structured is complicated, so nothing here would be set in stone, but the baseline of each trade is something that I want to emphasize more.