Grade the trade: Timberwolves deal away youth for experienced vet in proposal

The Minnesota Timberwolves have built a championship-level roster largely out of experienced veteran players. The collective playoff experience of Mike Conley and Rudy Gobert was a huge added boost when they joined the rest of the Wolves' roster in pursuit of Minnesota's first NBA title.

However, with Kyle Anderson departing the Timberwolves in free agency, Chris Finch acknowledged that some of the younger guys on this team will have opportunities to step into larger roles. Naturally, having that happen will be essential for this team's title window to stay open even as some of the veterans show their age more.

But in the meantime, the Wolves' coaching staff still wants to rely on players who have experience in this league to give them meaningful production in the regular season. Fans may not want to hear it, but all of the team's rookies and young players are not guaranteed to have large roles.

That is why Bleacher Report recently imagined a trade that would see Minnesota sending away 2023 second-round draft pick Leonard Miller in exchange for Chicago Bulls forward Torrey Craig.

Would the Timberwolves agree to this trade?

When Minnesota acquired Leonard Miller on draft night in 2023, the move was considered a massive steal for Tim Connelly and the front office. The Timberwolves traded with the San Antonio Spurs to get the 33rd overall pick and Miller. Considered by most as a first-round level talent at the time, many were surprised to see Leonard fall past the 30th pick and into the second round.

But so far, Miller's talent is yet to be fully realized at the NBA level. He garnered minimal playing time this past season due to the roster's depth. He still has the chance to become a high-level player in the association, but trading him would mean banking on the proven production of Craig over Miller's upside.

The thing is, I am not sure the proven production of Craig is worth it from the Timberwolves' side of things. Saying you are willing to accept his type of output is almost to admit you do not think Miller will ever truly reach his potential. If he fully realizes his talent, Leonard has enough feel for the game and physical tools to become a game-changer as a two-way playmaking wing.

Craig is simply not a game-changer at his position, nor has he ever been. That does not make him a bad player, but he does not have the kind of ceiling Miller does. If the Bulls offered this trade as a true one-for-one swap in real life, you would have to think Minnesota turns it down with swiftness.

Grade: D