Most of the trade targets the Minnesota Timberwolves have been linked to are either injury-prone, old, or both. That is kind of the hole they dug for themselves after mortgaging future draft capital in the Rudy Gobert and Rob Dillingham trades.
On top of that, they don't seem keen on trading guys like Jaden McDaniels, Naz Reid, and Joan Beringer, who would certainly garner lots of interest on the open market.
Because of this, the only assets that they're likely to dangle in trades are Julius Randle, Rudy Gobert, Donte DiVincenzo's expiring contract, whatever is left of their draft capital, and maybe Terrence Shannon Jr.
This isn't a whole lot compared to other teams, but if they do decide to include some younger pieces in an ultimate home run swing, one name stands out: LaMelo Ball.
LaMelo Ball might not even be available for trade -- but he would be an absolute dream get
The Charlotte Hornets had one of the more impressive mid-season turnarounds I've seen in recent memory, and they were statistically a top-five team in the league after the calendar year. Despite this, they barely missed the playoffs, losing their second play-in game.
Led by dynamic point guard LaMelo Ball, sharpshooting rookie Kon Knueppel, and talented young wing Brandon Miller, they gave Hornets fans real hope that they haven't had in quite some time.
So why would they trade their best player right after that season?
Honestly, I'm not sure. Ball has had durability issues throughout his career, but last season, he was healthy. Maybe the Hornets think Ball's "AAU playstyle" won't fly in the playoffs. The Hornets may shut down every incoming trade call for him, but the Wolves should push for it anyway.
Given the Wolves' assets, this is what I think a trade for Ball would look like (the Hornets may not accept this, but it's pretty much the most the Wolves can offer without breaking up the core).
It's also worth noting that Randle would be dealt in a subsequent move if this hypothetical trade were to go down.
LaMelo is an unbelievable fit next to Anthony Edwards
I feel as though, between being on bad teams and missing time due to injury, Ball has become pretty underrated. He is one of the best shooters in the entire league, and when he's in the zone, you have to get a hand up anywhere inside of halfcourt.
Ball is also simultaneously one of the best passers in the league. He's a double-double threat every night and has a knack for no-looks and lob passes. To say the least, he would bring a lot more creativity to the Wolves' offense.
He also brings a rare size to the point guard position at 6-foot-7. So while he isn't a great defender, he uses his height and length to be a pest in passing lanes and hold his own against certain wings. Point guard responsibilities taxed Anthony Edwards this season, so bringing in a guy like Ball, who could alleviate all of that, would be extremely important
The odds that the Hornets are even taking calls on Ball are probably less than 10 percent, but I'm not counting out Tim Connelly to have some surprises up his sleeve.
Add us as a preferred source on Google