Minnesota Timberwolves: NBA 2021 Draft Night Preview

The Minnesota Timberwolves do not own any draft picks in the 2021 NBA Draft which takes place tonight, but that does not mean they cannot acquire any picks – as trade talks seem to be talking place all over the NBA as of right now.

The Minnesota Timberwolves’ first-round pick was traded away to the Golden State Warriors just before the 2020 NBA Trade deadline in the same deal that brought in D’Angelo Russell (and sent out Andrew Wiggins).

Earlier today, the Philadelphia 76ers bought a second-round pick from the New Orleans Pelicans – and the reported price on second-rounders this year seems to be lower than ever. Several days ago, it was reported by Darren Wolfson that the Timberwolves were willing to move off of Jarrett Culver for a second-round selection. Whether that happens remains to be seen, but it will be interesting to see whether the Timberwolves make a trade.

The Minnesota Timberwolves have been really active in trade talks in the past, and presumably that will be no different tonight. Trading for a draft pick almost certainly is not the only talks they will be a part of. The last actual trade that general manager Gersson Rosas made was to acquire Ed Davis (sending out Jacob Evans and Omari Spellman to get him). Prior to that, the Timberwolves acquired Ricky Rubio and two first-round draft picks from the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for the 17th overall pick.

While on the surface, it may seem like an anticlimactic night for Timberwolves fans, Gersson Rosas will be active in the trade market – so it would be best to at least pay attention to what national reporters Adrian Wojnarowski, Shams Charania, and Marc Stein say.

To add on to some of the trade discussion, the Philadelphia 76ers could move Ben Simmons tonight, and we do know that the Timberwolves have interest in acquiring him. Although, with the reported price level, I am unsure that he would actually be available. It might take Anthony Edwards to get a deal done – and at that expense – it won’t be worth it for the Timberwolves.

One of the players to watch out for, should the Timberwolves actually acquire a draft selection, would be Michigan State wing/forward Aaron Henry. He is a 6-foot-6 defense-first player that has a projectable shot and could be one of the bigger steals in the draft – especially if he becomes a role player from the jump. Another name to keep an eye on is Isaiah Todd – who would be a good fit alongside Karl-Anthony Towns in the frontcourt if all things go well.

The Minnesota Timberwolves don’t have any draft picks, but that does not mean the team won’t be active. I would expect some sort of transaction tonight – especially after the first domino falls.