The Minnesota Timberwolves finally traded D’Angelo Russell on Wednesday evening. After months of rumors and trade discussions, the Wolves ultimately determined that they would be best served moving on from their starting point guard.
In doing so, they made a smart move by offloading an expiring contract, preventing them from having to decide between paying Russell this summer or risking losing him for nothing. After evaluating various offers from numerous teams around the league, Minnesota decided to go all-in on a three-team trade that sent D-Lo back to his former team in Los Angeles.
Filling his spot in the starting lineup will be Mike Conley, who had already been mentioned as a Timberwolves trade target last month. But before Minnesota can officially add Conley and their other trade acquisition, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, to the roster, one more player must be waived or traded. Who will that player end up being?
Several teams have called the Timberwolves about Naz Reid
If the Timberwolves end up making another trade before Thursday’s deadline at 3:00 PM ET, it should come as a shock to no one. We are well aware of the widespread interest other teams around the league have been showing in Naz Reid.
All indications have been that Minnesota would prefer to hold on to their versatile big man and attempt to re-sign him in the offseason, and the feeling is mutual with Naz Reid. However, outlook can change rapidly during trade deadline week, and if a team is willing to overpay for Reid, Tim Connelly and the Timberwolves’ front office would be wise to capitalize.
This is especially true if a team is willing to give up a first-round pick to obtain Reid. Minnesota was drained of its draft assets last summer, and after picking up a haul of three second-round picks from the Jazz Wednesday night, regaining a first-rounder would be a massive success. Reid’s play this season has been impressive enough to warrant other teams taking a chance.
One disappointing player could be waived if another trade partner is not found
On the other hand, if the Timberwolves do not find more worthwhile trade offers for any of their players, they will need to waive a player to make room for Alexander-Walker and Conley. It is important to note that players on two-way contracts are not eligible to be waived for this reason.
With that in mind, Bryn Forbes would have to become the prime candidate to be let go. His 3.3 points per game on 27% shooting from deep have been a massive disappointment, especially considering his career three-point percentage of 41%. For one reason or another, Forbes has not been able to find the consistency nor the playing time that Timberwolves fans had hoped for him this season.
Ultimately, this trade deadline deal could signal the end of his time in Minnesota. If the Timberwolves decide to hold steady until the trade deadline officially strikes, look for Forbes to be on his way out in short order.