The Minnesota Timberwolves may not be among the NBA teams tipped to make it to the postseason wars, but key pieces are starting to fall into place. The T-Wolves finally got the player that probably makes the most sense, acquiring D'Angelo Russell and sending away the underperforming Andrew Wiggins.
In a report from ESPN, Minnesota sent Wiggins together with a 2021 protected first-round and a 2021 second-round pick. The Warriors also sent Jacob Evans and Omari Spellman to the Timberwolves. The Russell deal is the second one Minnesota was involved in. Previously, they participated in a four-team trade that saw Robert Covington end up with the Houston Rockets.
In the previous NBA trade, the haul that the Timberwolves got made no sense. Worse, they dealt away Shabazz Napier, their only remaining guard then. The acquisition of the second overall pick of the 2015 NBA Draft calms the storm, although the T-Wolves may have to wait until the 2020-21 season to see how it truly works out.
The deal also rids the Timberwolves of Wiggins, who has been hardly living up to his billing. He was the top overall pick of the 2014 NBA Draft but somehow has not panned up to expectations. This season, the 24-year-old has played in 42 games averaging 22.4 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists per Basketball-Reference.com. Though better than his career averages, the efforts of Wiggins have hardly helped Minnesota's cause.
The move gives Warriors head coach Steve Kerr some added firepower. It will be interesting how he will fit into the Dubs' system. A lot of that will be known by next season, assuming Golden State holds on to him. His chemistry with Draymond Green, Stephen Curry, and Klay Thompson next season will be closely monitored.
For Minnesota, the deal finally brings together two good friends. Karl-Anthony Towns and Russell are pretty tight and the 24-year-old center was even on hand to welcome Russell when he arrived in Minnesota via @Timberwolves.
Looking ahead, the Timberwolves need to add more pieces for the team to perform better. Sportsbooks give the T-Wolves improved odds of winning the NBA title. Their chances improved from 1,000-1 to 250-1.
With the NBA trade deadline over, the T-Wolves are expected to continue their rebuilding efforts in the offseason. With a true center and point guard in the mix, all Minnesota may need now are additional scorers and maybe some role players to have better chances next NBA season.
