This three-team trade brings Patrick Beverley back to Minnesota

The Minnesota Timberwolves have been sorely missing their biggest locker room presence and vocal leader from last season, Patrick Beverley. After the Los Angeles Lakers acquired him in a trade with the Utah Jazz last summer, Minnesota’s on-court energy has not been what it was before.

With the Lakers struggling mightily this season, there has been increased discussion that certain pieces could be moved. One of the main players Los Angeles has been repeatedly rumored to be offering in trade packages is Patrick Beverley, and there was even talk that Pat Bev would like to return to the Timberwolves once again.

A reunion between Beverley and Minnesota would certainly be exciting for Wolves fans. Even though he would not be a massive talent acquisition, his mojo and grit would be a welcome sight back on the Timberwolves’ sideline.

Recently, a three-team trade involving the Timberwolves, Lakers and Spurs was imagined by Lakers writer Jason Reed.

This trade brings Patrick Beverley back to the Minnesota Timberwolves:

For the Minnesota Timberwolves, this trade would appear to be a no-brainer. They would offload D’Angelo Russell’s expiring contract and a second-round pick in return for a package that would give them a significant chance to improve headed into the second half of the season.

There is increasing skepticism that Minnesota will re-sign Russell anyway, so it is best to get something in return for him. By sending him and this year’s second-round pick away, they would get back one of the most beloved Timberwolves in recent memory in Pat Bev.

A player that has taken more pride in playing for Minnesota than almost anyone, Beverley’s vibes would be infectious as this team continues to improve. Adding him back to this group only six months after his departure would just seem poetic.

But the other piece that the Wolves would get in this scenario would be every bit as valuable as well. Doug McDermott’s career three-point shooting percentage of 41% would be a major help in spacing the floor to give Rudy Gobert more space to operate. Between Beverley’s veteran presence and McDermott’s outside scoring prowess, the Timberwolves would get a great return on investment here.

The trade makes a lot of sense for the Lakers and Spurs, too. Los Angeles would get an experienced three-and-D wing in Richardson that would help them build toward chasing a playoff spot, while the Spurs would be in better position to bottom out and secure a top draft pick in June. Overall, this is about as well-rounded a deal as you could find for these three teams.