2022 NBA Trade Deadline: 3 splash trade ideas for the Timberwolves

Should the Timberwolves get Harrison Barnes from the Sacramento Kings?

Admittedly, there are legitimate concerns with this trade possibility. But Harrison Barnes is an oft-mentioned potential addition for the Timberwolves, so let’s talk about it.

McDaniels has had a rough year offensively but has continued to be a defensive force off the bench and has oodles of potential. Bolmaro is a skilled passer who needs time to adjust to NBA speed, and it would hurt the Wolves to see him develop elsewhere into the kind of big playmaker they need.

But the Wolves need to view those players with healthy skepticism. As enticing as McDaniels can be in flashes, what’s the likelihood he ever becomes close to as proficient an offensive player as Barnes? Bolmaro, on the other hand, hasn’t shown he belongs among the best players in the world.

The Kings forward is very available despite averaging 16.6 points per game and shooting 41.8 percent from three this season per NBA.com. The Wolves need big forwards who can score, as our site expert Ben Beecken outlined in a trade idea a few days ago and shooters.

Barnes provides both for a reasonable contract that gets cheaper in its final season in 2022-23.

https://twitter.com/SacramentoKings/status/1485065772414033925?s=20

The Kings get a promising young forward who can immediately elevate their defense, an expiring contract, a high-upside flier, and a pick that’s pretty likely to convey this year. That package may be more than enough for their trouble.

This isn’t a trade Minnesota should make if they’re high on McDaniels and/or Bolmaro’s offensive development. But if Sachin Gupta is concerned about how those two project long-term and wants to elevate his team’s short-term prospects, Barnes is a player to target.