The Minnesota Timberwolves trading for LaMelo Ball was one of the more controversial blockbuster trades in recent memory. Over a month later, I can't stop thinking about it.
One of the biggest criticisms of this trade was that the Timberwolves, who already lacked draft capital, gave up one unprotected first-round pick in 2033 and three pick swaps for an injury-prone star. Detractors of the trade would argue that the Timberwolves mortgaged their future for someone who hasn't proven to be extremely dependable.
Here's what gets lost by some people: LaMelo will be just 25 years old before the season starts, and he's a perfect fit alongside Anthony Edwards in both the short and long term. His talent and the upside of this move outweigh the risk.
Plus, the picks are overrated; only one of these swaps is an outright swap; the others are the worst among several teams. If everything goes as planned, these swaps won't convey much value, and they should keep their 2028 swap. Frankly, considering the Timberwolves have fairly young stars, there's a strong chance they'll still be good in 2033, lessening the value of the one unprotected pick.
LaMelo Ball's long-term fit with Anthony Edwards outweighs the risk of this trade
Look, if the Timberwolves traded this type of draft capital for an injury-prone 30-year-old, I'd understand the backlash a lot more. But again, LaMelo is still young.
In addition to Edwards, Ball joins the Timberwolves' 26-and-under core of Jaden McDaniels, Ayo Dosunmu, Joan Beringer, and Terrence Shannon Jr. That's a squad that's well positioned to compete both now and for the foreseeable future.
Ball's fit alongside Edwards can't be discounted either. The Timberwolves sorely needed a backcourt partner for Edwards who could create for himself and others. LaMelo offers that at an elite level. He can take some of the ball-handling, playmaking, and creation duties away from Ant, who was overtaxed in these areas last season. Furthermore, LaMelo is an elite shooter, which can allow him to play off the ball when needed.
Maybe you have concerns about his basketball maturity, but lest we forget, he was the engine of a Charlotte Hornets team that closed last season with the best offensive rating in the league. LaMelo's decision-making significantly improved during this stretch.
Defensively, he still has some clear flaws, but the Wolves have the infrastructure to support him. Given this, I think it's fair to label LaMelo as an ideal fit. Getting back to my main point, though, the Timberwolves landed an ideal fit alongside Ant, both from a basketball and timeline standpoint.
That has to count for something when assessing the risk of the trade, right?
The Timberwolves still aren't top-tier title contenders, but with Ant and LaMelo they certainly have a puncher's chance, and they have more championship equity than they previously had. Considering the age and talent level of this backcourt, the Timberwolves should have a puncher's chance at a title for a while.
Overall, this trade has undeniable long-term benefits for the Timberwolves that can't be ignored.
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