2. Could the Timberwolves make a play for Kemba Walker?
Kemba Walker has clearly fallen out of favor with Tom Thibodeau, as he is no longer a part of the rotation. The four-time All-Star is a shell of his former self but could still help the Timberwolves.
From the Wolves’ perspective, one of the things the team has benefitted from this season is D’Angelo Russell’s creativity on the ball this season. Russell’s shiftiness and court vision has helped bring out the best in his teammates, as he currently ranks No. 18 in the NBA in plus/minus despite only playing 14 games.
Walker could provide a similar shiftiness at the point guard position off the bench for the Wolves and play the part of creating shots for his teammates as well. Having Walker on the bench would provide a level of creativity and experience that the second unit currently lacks at point guard, as Jordan McLaughlin and Jaylen Nowell haven’t been given regular opportunity this season, and in the case of McLaughlin, hasn’t produced on a consistent basis when given the chance.
Additionally, Walker has shot 41 percent from 3 point range this season on 5.1 attempts per game, so he could provide a shooting boost that the Wolves desperately need.
From the Knicks’ perspective, this trade brings wing reinforcements that the team could really use, particularly on the defensive end. Josh Okogie was a favorite of Thibodeau’s in Minnesota after Thibs drafted him in the first round in 2018.
Thibodeau is familiar with Okogie’s skillset, which is an elite on-ball defender. Okogie would likely find a place in the rotation given Thibodeau’s defensive philosophy. Both Okogie and Layman are assets in that their contract expires at the end of the season, which would give the Knicks about $9 million in cap flexibility at the end of this year, one year earlier than if they were to hold onto Walker.