The Minnesota Timberwolves cut into their already limited draft assets by trading for LaMelo Ball. Now, they have no outright tradeable firsts and can only dangle the worst of a 2028 pick swap between them and Charlotte in a future deal.Â
While I fully believe that trading for LaMelo was worth it for the Timberwolves, given their undeniable need for a point guard, some people would argue it's reckless, as they are essentially going all in. Even as someone who is staunchly in favor of the Ball trade, it's impossible to deny that there's a chance this move backfires, or a glaring flaw (such as their forward room) gets sorely exposed.
Would it be nice if the Wolves had some extra draft picks to make another future move easier? Yeah, it sure would be. However, if there's one thing folks should know about Tim Connelly, it's that you can never count him out of making an unexpected move.Â
Who thought the Wolves had a real shot at landing someone of LaMelo's caliber this offseason? Admittedly, I was doubtful. The Timberwolves' lack of picks could make things tricky if the LaMelo era goes south or if their forward need becomes pressing. Tricky but not impossible.Â
The undeniable bright side is that the Timberwolves have several intriguing 26-and-under players who could be traded if needed.Â
The Timberwolves can still make player-for-player trades
Look, I don't think Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, or LaMelo are going anywhere. Nevertheless, if the Timberwolves' power forward becomes a detrimental flaw (which isn't a scenario I'd bank on), could they look to trade Ayo Dosunmu? I wouldn't rule that out, whether that be at the deadline or next offseason.Â
Some Wolves fans have floated around the idea of an Ayo-Tari Eason swap. A deal of this framework could make sense for both sides. To be clear, I wouldn't shop Ayo. However, there's a chance that the forward void causes problems, and they could feel comfortable staying afloat on the perimeter without Ayo.
Maybe a lesser trade is needed. Something centered around Josh Green's $14.6 million expiring contract and a young player like Terrence Shannon Jr. or Isaiah Evans could help the Timberwolves land a solid rotational forward. Perhaps someone like P.J. Washington or Obi Toppin.Â
While he's not a young player, nor do I see a trade possible until next summer (if at all), Rudy Gobert still holds some value around the league. If Joan Beringer excels in a bigger role, the Wolves could look to trade Gobert for a depth-based trade.Â
There's also a chance that everything goes as planned and no major trade is needed in the near future. Regardless, my point is that the Timberwolves still have several avenues to pursue player-centric trades if the need for a move arises.
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