After trying move up into the top-5 in last Thursday's NBA draft, the Minnesota Timberwolves ultimately settled with a trade for the Phoenix Suns' no. 6 pick, which they used to draft Jarrett Culver. The Timberwolves would have preferred to snag point guard Darius Garland – with either the New Orleans Pelicans' no. 4 pick or the Cleveland Cavaliers' no. 5 pick. However, according to Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic, both teams reportedly asked for too much.
Piece coming this morning on last night’s festivities. Conclusion: Wolves had a top tier that included Garland and Culver. Probably would’ve preferred Garland but the price (Covington, 11 and taking back Hill) proved too steep for them
— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) June 21, 2019
The Timberwolves were very high on Garland – who eventually went 5th to Cleveland – but also liked what Culver brought to the table.
Minnesota traded forward Dario Saric and the 11th pick to the Phoenix Suns for the 6th overall selection. According to Krawczynski, the T-Wolves started negotiations with the Pels and the Cavs before settling with no. 6.
New Orleans reportedly asked for Robert Covington, the 11th pick in exchange for the fourth pick and eating up Solomon Hill's expiring deal. Cleveland also asked for a steep price.
Nevertheless, the Timberwolves are satisfied with what they got for moving up to 6th in the draft. Reports from their camp indicate that they are exploring to go with Covington at power forward, perhaps with Culver sliding into that starting three or two position.
The Timberwolves are looking to have a bounce back season after last year's weird situation with Jimmy Butler to start their 2018-19 campaign. It seemed like they never really recovered from the drama that Butler caused in the locker room as they missed the chance to make back-to-back playoff appearances.
Nevertheless, the Timberwolves seem ready to move on from that lost season with Culver as one of the pieces that they hope can bring them back to prominence.
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