As expected, 2023 NBA Draft picks are going up for sale

Okay, Minnesota Timberwolves, let’s go shopping for some draft picks. Too soon to start inquiring? Not according to the latest NBA Rumors that are being reported. And this is exactly how we anticipated the 2023 NBA Draft playing out. After all, the NBA is nothing like the seven-round draft of the NFL.

The talent level that is available in any given NBA draft typically has one to three game-changers, young prospects who could be a player that is worth building a team around. Then there are quality starters, a group of 5-10 players who can start, but need the right fit. Then there are the next 10-15 players who have a shot of becoming an NBA starter, someday.

Finally, the remainder of the draft is filled with those prospects who may be too raw for immediate NBA engagement, and will either be drafted and then stashed in the Euroleague for a year or two, or simply sign on but spend as much time competing in the NBA’s developmental league, or the G-League.

Time for Timberwolves to go shopping for more picks

As the 2023 NBA Draft is now within 36 hours, the ‘For Sale,’ signs are being hung over the draft picks of teams that have an abundance of selections to make in the 2023 NBA Draft. It makes sense too. NBA teams compete with just five players on the basketball court at a time, and a roster that includes just 15 players plus what will now be three 2-Way contracted players who will toggle between their NBA team and the affiliate.

While many teams are searching for those elite players to build around, the Minnesota Timberwolves have an incredible advantage to have a solid and now cohesive starting five. So now the question is, adding niche rotational players who can complement the team’s core, while also balancing the team’s finances with a bit of affordability.

Those types of players are found in Round 2 of the NBA Draft. And the Indiana Pacers will be more than happy to trade away their two second-round picks, or so the reports are now saying:

How does that work? As we had featured in a previous article on the topic, NBA Draft picks can change hands between NBA teams, and they can be ‘bought.’ In essence, the Minnesota Timberwolves can buy picks from teams that have an excessive number.

And so, the Timberwolves can acquire 2023 NBA Draft picks for cash considerations. But which teams will be sellers? We speculate that the Charlotte Hornets and Indiana Pacers will be the true market-makers. But we also believe that the San Antonio Spurs, Orlando Magic, Brooklyn Nets, and or Sacramento Kings could be sellers as well.

Because the Timberwolves only hold one pick in Round 2 of the draft, I believe that this team could be interested in adding additional picks in this draft. That is one of the reasons why I believe that the Minnesota Timberwolves are worth watching throughout the draft this season. Will the Timberwolves and Pacers agree to a draft-day trade?

The Timberwolves sold a second-round pick (48th overall) to the Pacers for a 2026 second-round pick plus cash considerations during the 2022 NBA Draft.  Because the Pacers hold picks at the 32nd and 55th overall selections, I believe that the Timberwolves could make an offer for either or both over the course of the draft.

And in Minnesota Timberwolves President of Basketball Operations Tim Connelly’s hands, those picks could be quite effective.