While the Minnesota Timberwolves desperately need some extra ball-handling and perimeter shot creation, they shouldn't trade for anyone who fills this void. Minnesota must closely consider fit and red flags with whoever they trade for. Immanuel Quickley is one name people have speculated about, but he's also a player the Wolves should avoid.
Quickley is almost certainly available this offseason due to his $32.5 million contract. Whether it be for Julius Randle or Rudy Gobert, the Toronto Raptors could be intrigued by a Timberwolves-Quickley trade.
Again, though, this doesn't mean the Wolves should engage. Sure, he's a capable scorer with has ball-handling and playmaking chops, but he doesn't generate rim pressure enough and isn't a good defender. As such, the Wolves would be unwise to pursue a trade for Quickley.
Why the Timberwolves should avoid trading for Immanuel Quickley
This past season, Quickley posted solid averages of 16.4 points, 4 rebounds and 5.9 assists with 44.3/37.4/82.1 shooting splits. It's worth noting, though, that he averaged just 1.6 rim attempts per game.
The Wolves need another guard capable of generating rim pressure, which puts his offensive fit into question. Plus, despite Quickley being a skilled player, he's generally very volatile as a scorer.
The Wolves don't need a microwave scorer like Quickley; they need a classic second option alongside Anthony Edwards.
If they strike out on a star trade, they would be wise to pursue a guard who offers plus defense like Jalen Suggs. Quickley is a fine defensive playmaker, but his small frame is a major concern defensively, particularly in a playoff setting.
Time and again, we see this archetype getting hunted in the playoffs, which, in turn, limits their overall effectiveness.
With Gobert possibly being moved, trading for a limited defender like Quickley would be even more risky. The NBA is becoming more and more about not having any weak links and by trading for Quickley, the Wolves would have a clear defensive weak link.
A sparkplug scorer like Quickley is still a valuable player, but not for $32.5 million a year and he certainly can't be the Wolves' biggest addition this offseason.
I don't doubt that Quickley could help alleviate some of the pressure off Ant as a creator and ball-handler. But I do doubt that he's the ideal guard to pair with Edwards on both ends of the floor.
There's a chance the Wolves can't trade for a star, but if this happens, they'd be much better off trading for a more versatile guard. Whatever the Wolves do this offseason, they should avoid trading for Immanuel Quickley. There are too many concerns with his fit and there are plenty of better options available.
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