The Minnesota Timberwolves should avoid a trade idea that may be making the rounds in the NBA. If you haven't heard yet, an all-star caliber player has spoken with his team, and both sides have been open to moving on.
That player is none other than former Timberwolves player Zach Lavine.
Developing: NBA teams are probing the availability of Bulls two-time All-Star Zach LaVine and there is increased openness from both sides about exploring a trade, sources say.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 14, 2023
Details at @TheAthletic: https://t.co/2UvELP2lMG
Sure, Lavine is a much better player now than he was when he was in Minnesota. That was so long ago that if you look up pictures of him in a Timberwolves uniform, you'd see it was before this uniform rebrand and design. He has strived as a scorer in the league since then, and now he is somewhat of a hot name in the trade rumor mill.
And there is a way the Timberwolves could get Lavine via trade. There is a way they could bring back the kid they drafted out of UCLA. But should they?
The answer is no, and a quick one at that. I get it; his dunks are flashy, and he has won a dunk contest or two. He can get hot at any moment from anywhere on the floor and is one hell of a scorer. However, there are a few good reasons why the Timberwolves shouldn't even entertain the idea.
First, some of you reading this may be thinking, why is this even an article? Well, there are fans out there, most of them casual fans who don't get too in-depth with how things work and want Lavine back in Minnesota.
First, the Timberwolves are in a really good spot right now. They are a top-five team and have beaten the top two teams in basketball, the Denver Nuggets and the Boston Celtics. They don't have a need at the moment. Bringing in another ball-dominant scorer would only mess everything up, especially with Anthony Edwards playing the way he has been.
The Bulls will want something in return, and it would likely require at least one first-round pick. I'd say no to that right away. We know what Lavine's ceiling is, and to be frank, he doesn't really contribute to winning basketball. The first wouldn't be worth it.
Lavine signed a five-year, $215 million contract in 2022. He now has four years left on the deal with a player option in 2026. He is set to make $40 million this year. The Timberwolves should preserve that money for free agency next summer to try to improve their team even more.
So, while the door may open for a return, the Timberwolves should shut it immediately.