T-Wolves season recap, Free Agency, rumors and draft prospects
By Travis Rose
NBA Rumors: Minnesota Timberwolves
With free agency right around the corner, NBA Trade rumors have been swirling around the league. One name linked to the Timberwolves has been Los Angeles Lakers PG Russell Westbrook. Him again? Well, yes, actually. It has been almost a comical annual event for some whispers, scenarios, or what-if NBA pundits to link the outspoken and oft-maligned veteran point guard to the Timberwolves.
Yes, Westbrook is coming off one of his worst seasons. Averaging just 18.5 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 7.1 assists in 78 games this season. Perhaps now that his value is at its lowest point in his career, a deal gets done? I’m not certain that the on-court abrasive trash-talker is a player that the Timberwolves want in the locker room, but the ever imaginative mind of NBA Trade scenario specialist Addam Goldman at Fadeaway World smells a trade scenario that could succeed if both teams are interested. What does this deal look like?
The problem with this trade scenario is that Westbrook is in the last year of an expiring contract. The good news is that just because it did not work out with the Los Angeles Lakers, it may yet work out with the Timberwolves. And the Wolves will have a year to determine his fit and overall value with the team. The even better news is that, based on the ESPN Trade Machine, this exchange works.
If the Timberwolves were to make a move for Russell Westbrook, PG D’Angelo Russell is the key chip in the exchange. In the above scenario, Beasley is added to the mix to make this deal work out. So expect Minnesota to gauge Russell’s trade value this off-season.
The Timberwolves were among the teams rumored to have been interested in Ben Simmons before he was, traded to the Brooklyn Nets. Thankfully, nothing happened on that front. In the aftermath, it looks like the Minnesota Timberwolves dodged a bullet in that saga.
Is Russell Westbrook a piece of the NBA Championship roster that the Timberwolves are searching for? On paper, he appears to be promising. But that was said about every team seeking to add him to their roster, and then finding out that he is just not a fit unless he is the featured player. Buyer beware.