The Minnesota Timberwolves made headlines on Thursday when they sent point guard Jeff Teague to the Atlanta Hawks, but it appears they have more in mind ahead of the February trade deadline.
Jon Krawczynski and Shams Charania of The Athletic reported the Timberwolves have increased their pursuit of Golden State Warriors guard D'Angelo Russell, though the discussions have “no traction” at this juncture. Still, Minnesota's interest in Russell is quite notable.
Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns was fairly plain in his desire to play with Russell this past summer prior to the sign-and-trade that sent Russell to the Warriors. Minnesota is also trying to add pieces around its star amid a frustrating 2019-20 season.
However, Krawczynski and Charania reported the Warriors would have to be blown away by a particular offer in order to part ways with Russell.
If the Timberwolves are intent on acquiring Russell, it might result in a cruel twist of fate.
Teammates? Not so fast
Towns might want to play with Russell, but the only way I can see this deal getting done is if Towns himself is included. The Warriors are unlikely to want Robert Covington or Andrew Wiggins because they already have wing assets once Klay Thompson returns. Even if they want either–or both players–it might not be enough for them to justify trading Russell when he has such a small sample size.
Yes, the Timberwolves would be trading a franchise player in Towns. But there is a rub. Minnesota can demand Golden State's top pick in the 2020 NBA Draft in addition to Russell, which could make for an intriguing scenario.
Picture this: the Timberwolves trade for Russell and–with the Golden State pick–select James Wiseman to be Towns' replacement in the frontcourt. If nothing else, that roster would certainly be interesting.
Meanwhile, the Warriors would be hard-pressed not to accept that kind of deal. Sure, they would be giving up their top pick. However, Towns is just 24 and under contract through the 2023-24 season.
Moreover, he would give Golden State the kind of interior presence they have never had, and he should fit in with both Curry and Thompson because of his ability to shoot from the perimeter.
Alternatives?
Maybe Towns is off-limits for the Timberwolves. In that case, they would almost certainly have to give up Covington plus a slew of draft picks, at the very least.
I can't really see the Warriors wanting Wiggins because he is a volume scorer and a very subpar defender. Covington would mesh better in Golden State because he can space the floor and defend, plus he is under contract for two more years.
But, the alternatives are pretty paltry in comparison to a package involving Towns. Maybe the Timberwolves can orchestrate a three-team deal that sends Wiggins elsewhere. They will need to make the money work, after all.
In any case, it might be difficult to pair Towns and Russell together. Can the Timberwolves find a pathway to contention prior to the deadline?
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