4 Timberwolves players who have improved their trade value in 2023

If the Minnesota Timberwolves struggle to reform their roster for the 2023-24 NBA season, they will need to make some difficult choices.  One of the most challenging choices facing the Timberwolves’ front office comes down to whether to commit or to part ways with players who have shown some promise. After an 82-game regular season, just how familiar are the five presumed starters for the 2023-24 NBA season with one another?

As it turns out, not very familiar at all.

That makes it particularly difficult for a team like the Minnesota Timberwolves, a team that has not competed in the NBA Playoffs for the second consecutive season since the 2003-04 NBA season. But the results of the Timberwolves once they got into the playoffs this year indicate a need for more talent to get over the hump of being shown the door in Round 1, or advancing.

The Minnesota Timberwolves did not hold the luxury of specializing anyone on the roster. Quite the contrary, as the team expanded the roles and responsibilities of virtually each and every player on the roster. That was right in the wheelhouse of some players who flourished at improvisation and expanding their roles. Others sank under the weight of being asked to do more.

These 4 Timberwolves improved their trade value throughout the 2022-23 season:

Player IV: PF Taurean Prince

The Minnesota Timberwolves were fortunate to have forward Taurean Prince on the roster. Time after time, he proved to be a catalyst for the team coming off the bench. His value was further amplified as the team had to lean more heavily on him just to get through their 82-game season.

Prince may not be an NBA starter at this point, but he has embraced his role with the Minnesota Timberwolves as one of the first players off the bench. And a year ago, when he faced the possibility of NBA free agency, his name showed up early and often on the NBA Free Agency market shopping list of more than half of the remaining 29 NBA teams.

Having played in seven NBA seasons, Prince is in the heart of his prime playing days. And his production proves that point. While his minutes and points per game remain below his career averages, he is been increasing his role with the Minnesota Timberwolves. And his shooting accuracy beat his career averages across the board.  As a result, he has become a key contributor to a Timberwolves roster that needs to find more competitors just like him.

He is under contract for the 2023-24 NBA season.