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4 midseason trade ideas to improve the Timberwolves

By Nate Ackert

Minnesota Timberwolves guard D'Angelo Russell defends Ben Simmons of the Philadelphia 76ers. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Minnesota Timberwolves guard D'Angelo Russell defends Ben Simmons of the Philadelphia 76ers. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /
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Minnesota Timberwolves, Gorgui Dieng
Gorgui Dieng of the Atlanta Hawks should be a Minnesota Timberwolves trade target. (Photo by Harrison Barden/Getty Images) /

With a record of 12-15, the Minnesota Timberwolves have shown that while they have the talent to compete for a playoff spot in the Western Conference, they currently lack the consistency to be a real championship contender.

Still, this team isn’t far from where they want to be. Prior to their recent five-game losing streak, the team held the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference. In the midst of a tough December schedule, the Wolves could really use some reinforcements.

4 midseason trade ideas to improve the Timberwolves

On Dec. 15, the majority of players who signed contracts in the offseason become eligible to be traded. The period between Dec. 15 and the trade deadline is peak trade season, and fans can expect the Wolves to be very active in trade talks. As a fringe playoff team, a strong midseason move can help move the needle for the Timberwolves.

With the help of the Sachin Gupta-invented ESPN Trade Machine, take a look at a few trade ideas that could help bolster the Wolves roster for the rest of the season.

1. The Timberwolves should bring back Gorgui Dieng

Simply put, the Wolves need size. They should consider turning to a familiar face.

The main issue with Gorgui Dieng during his Minnesota days was his massive four-year, $64 million contract. Dieng’s service were not worth $16 million per year, but he was always a solid defender for Minnesota.

Dieng is much more suitable for the Wolves at the $4 million he’s making this season, and the team would could potentially find a way to keep him after his contract expires this season.

Dieng has roots in Minnesota having played there his first six-plus seasons and would provide much-needed size, rebounding, and defense to the frontcourt.

Looking at this from the Hawks’ perspective, Dieng is only averaging eight minutes per game. This trade brings in a second-round pick and an expiring contract in exchange for a player that isn’t a major player in the rotation for a team that has disappointed thus far this season.