Timberwolves rumors: Minnesota talking trade with Hawks involving No. 6 pick, Jarrett Culver

The Minnesota Timberwolves are reportedly discussing a trade with the Atlanta Hawks. Jarrett Culver and the No. 6 pick are the main pieces.

The Minnesota Timberwolves are clearly looking to add some young talent via the upcoming draft, and they are reportedly in the market to add another lottery pick on top of the first overall pick that is already in their possession. The Timberwolves are rumored to be interested in trading for the Atlanta Hawks' No. 6 pick in a deal that could involve incoming second-year shooting guard Jarrett Culver and the No. 17 pick.

This report comes via Kevin O'Connor of The Ringer:

Sources: The Timberwolves are attempting to acquire a second lottery pick. They’ve had talks with the Hawks for #6. A possible deal could include Jarrett Culver and #17.

A number of teams are interested in Atlanta’s #6 pick—the Pelicans and Celtics being among them, sources say.

— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) November 11, 2020

It's unclear what Minnesota plans to do with the No. 1 pick. The Timberwolves are keeping all their options open, including a possible trade out of the top pick or staying put and taking somebody like LaMelo Ball or Anthony Edwards.

Regardless, it appears Minnesota has placed Culver on the trading block, with the 2019 sixth overall pick not exactly having an exceptional rookie campaign. In his debut year, the 6-foot-6 2-guard averaged 9.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.7 assists while shooting 40.4% from the field and 29.9% from 3 in 23.9 minutes per contest. He did show some flashes of brilliance, especially later in the season, but apparently the Timberwolves still find him expendable.

It's worth noting that even if Minnesota aggressively pursues Atlanta's pick, there will be some stiff competition along the way. As the report indicates, both the New Orleans Pelicans and Boston Celtics have also been linked to that No. 6 pick.

Both the Timberwolves and Hawks are looking to take a big step forward this season after rough 2019-20 campaigns. Minnesota finished with the second-worst record in the Western Conference, ahead of only the Golden State Warriors. Atlanta finished with the second-worst record in the Eastern Conference. Only the Cleveland Cavaliers were worse.