The Minnesota Timberwolves are hoping to land a co-star alongside Anthony Edwards. Ideally, this co-star would be a point guard as the Wolves need someone who can take some of the ball-handling and playmaking duties off Ant's plate.
Given his high-level shot creation and playmaking chops, Darius Garland would be a perfect fit. While Garland hasn't been placed on the trade block yet, all signs point to the Los Angeles Clippers drafting Illinois guard Keaton Wagler with the fifth pick, which could open up a path for DG to be on the move.Â
Marc Stein is the latest insider to add smoke to this possibility.Â
"Most teams picking behind the Clippers are currently operating under the assumption that LA will stand pat and keep their No. 5 overall selection ... with (Keaton) Wagler as a strong candidate to be taken with the pick that the Clippers only acquired when the May 10 lottery dropped Indiana's pick out of the top four," Stein wrote.Â
In addition to Stein's reporting, Michael Scotto previously noted that Wagler is seen as the favorite to be drafted by the Clippers. There's a world where Wagler and Garland can co-exist, particularly given Wagler's excellent positional size.Â
Yet, there's also a chance the Clippers look to balance out their roster a bit more with a frontcourt piece. And if the Clippers are open to trading Garland, Minnesota should aggressively pursue him.Â
Why a Darius Garland-Timberwolves trade could be a possibility
When the Clippers first landed the No. 5 pick, drafting a guard (even with Garland) felt like the most probable outcome, given how loaded this year's guard class is. Still, there was a chance they could be enthralled by Michigan big man Aday Mara or pursue trade-down scenarios. But with all signs pointing to them drafting Wagler, it's worth wondering if this could open up a Garland trade.
You could also argue that using this fifth pick on Wagler signals a full youth movement, which could allow the Wolves to trade for Kawhi Leonard rather than Garland. Still, Leonard makes $8.2 million more than Garland and would be traded for a higher price.Â
I'm not opposed to a Wolves-Kawhi trade at all, nor would I rule it out, but if both players are available, Minnesota likely has a better chance to land Garland.Â
Now, after the Clippers got younger by trading for Garland and Bennedict Mathurin at the deadline, you might be wondering why they would trade Garland even if they are drafting a guard.
There are two scenarios in which I could see a Garland-Wolves trade becoming a reality: it could either be a three-teamer with young pieces heading to LA, or the Clippers could be trying to go for one last hurrah with Kawhi.
Whether it's a deal for Rudy Gobert for the Clippers to solidify their center position (Terrence Shannon Jr. would likely be a part of this trade to sweeten the package) or a three-teamer where LA gets some young assets, I think a trade is possible.Â
Garland would be a dream fit alongside Anthony Edwards
While the logistics could get tricky, stranger things have happened, and without a doubt, Garland would be a seamless fit alongside Edwards.Â
DG the PG is a two-time All-Star who offers dynamic three-level scoring and playmaking.Â
Finding someone who can take the pressure off Ant as both a creator and ball-handler is vital for the Wolves. Edwards was significantly overtaxed in these areas this year, and the Wolves could benefit from a true lead playmaker.Â
At the same time, Minnesota needs someone who is comfortable playing off the ball, and Garland's shooting could allow him to do just that. On top of everything else, he is a clear fit for Edwards' timeline at 26.Â
Again, it remains unclear whether the Clippers will shop Garland, but it's a possibility if they plan on drafting another guard, and the Wolves should be all in on the chance to trade for him.
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