5 blockbuster trades for Timberwolves to capitalize on Anthony Edwards’ greatness: Tim Hardaway Jr.
Would a trade like this improve the outlook of the Minnesota Timberwolves right now? Absolutely not. But it would greatly improve the long-term outlook of their franchise with Anthony Edwards at the helm.
By trading Rudy Gobert for this package, the Timberwolves would be admitting their mistake and resetting their roster a bit, effectively ditching him to the Dallas Mavericks.
All three players they would get back could be okay pieces, but none would be amazing. Tim Hardaway Jr. would be the best of the bunch, giving Minnesota solid minutes on the wing.
Holmes would be a third-string center behind Karl-Anthony Towns and Naz Reid, while Maxi Kleber would give them some solid minutes at either the four or the five with his defense and outside shot.
More importantly, though, they would be fixing their cap situation moving forward and fixing their log jam at the center position.
There’s a chance Dallas could be interested in this deal as they continue their search for a starting-caliber center. Plus, getting back a second-rounder would give them some additional draft capital, too.
Gobert would be a solid starting center for the Mavericks, as his only responsibilities would be to hold down the defense and catch lobs from Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.
The Mavericks could get spooked by Gobert’s long-term money, but at the cost, they’d be acquiring him at, it might not be an awful idea to consider trading for him.
Potential starting lineups
Timberwolves: Mike Conley, Anthony Edwards, Kyle Anderson, Jaden McDaniels, Karl-Anthony Towns
Mavericks: Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, Josh Green, Grant Williams, Rudy Gobert