Minnesota Timberwolves: Perfect storm for draft day trade scenario
By Bret Stuter
![Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/be6ad5291a7f582e75d1361f557c38111f68ea9165a0588d7a6b915d95a691e4.jpg)
The Minnesota Timberwolves need quality players now. But as they enter the 2022 NBA Draft, they have four draft picks, three of which are in Round 2. Those later picks are typically where teams find the draft-and-stash players, players who are encouraged to sign a one or two-year contract to play overseas, refine their basketball skills, and then return to the NBA later when the team has a more clearly defined role for them.
But that is not where the Minnesota Timberwolves are right now as a franchise. This team has, in the eyes of many fans and NBA analysts, turned the corner. So now that team feels as though the hopes to return to the NBA Playoffs are legit, the challenge is how to make the most of what could be a limited window of opportunity.
Such as? Well, per Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype, the Timberwolves are one of seven NBA teams perceived as holding an excessive number of draft picks.
Story: NBA executives are monitoring the Blazers and Kings as teams who may trade their picks for immediate help. The Thunder, Hornets, Grizzlies, Spurs and Timberwolves also have an excess of picks. More in our new aggregate NBA mock draft on @hoopshype. https://t.co/ZlHc17MJv4
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) May 20, 2022
What does that mean for Timberwolves fans?
Plenty of room to speculate over NBA Trade Rumors
Well, all speculation should be met with a bit of professional skepticism. But it does create an array of interesting draft-day scenarios for the Timberwolves. Right now, four NBA teams have no picks in the 2022 NBA Draft (Los Angeles Lakers, Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns, and Utah Jazz). Another seven NBA teams hold just one pick in the draft.
That sets the stage for the Timberwolves to have the potential to discuss possible scenarios with up to 11 different teams before or during the NBA Draft. While I’m not in the habit to fabricate NBA Trade Rumors, I’m also in no position to rule out the likelihood of any taking place.
The Timberwolves are the perfect storm for NBA Trade rumors. They are an NBA Playoff team loaded with picks having just hired a new team president Tim Connelly. There is a growing sense that Connelly will not be content to use four draft picks as is. In fact, DWW contributor Nate Ackert believes the team will trade the 19th overall pick.
What do you think? Will the Timberwolves be content to draft four prospects? Or do you see trading for players as the more likely outcome? Just let us know in the comments section.
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