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Jim Mone / Associated Press
Catching the # 1 pick is a boon for the Timberwolves in the long run. D’Angelo Russell, Karl-Anthony Towns, Jarrett Culver, Malik Beasley (restricted), Josh Okogie and Anthony Edwards form a legitimate top six.
Are they also part of a playoff team in the West? Hey, probably not. The West’s 15 teams will see themselves as playoff prospects next year as it stands. Minnesota would only work with a handful of proven players, plus the ones they sign with the mid-tier exception.
It’s not conducive to an immediate return to the playoffs, and the Timberwolves have been acting like a very concerned team now. Next year’s pick is due to the Warriors with incredibly light protection (top three) before going unprotected in 2022. They don’t have time to take the ultra-gradual approach, not even with Russell ( free agent 2023) and Towns (2024) signed at least 2022-2023.
And that’s the other thing: Minnesota’s top two players are already on maximum offers. Beasley is about to sign his second contract. This is not a typical cost rebuild list. And while that shouldn’t invite the Timberwolves to quit No.1, it does require a certain level of urgency.
Devin Booker’s availability is encouraged but invariably futile. They might take a look at Bradley Beal, but with the defensive issues he would perpetuate, they should know he plans to reconnect in 2022. (Acquire Booker – if they could, which they wouldn’t. couldn’t – poses the same defensive headaches, but he’s younger and signed until 2023-24 and, of course, besties with DLo and KAT.)
Talking to Victor Oladipo’s Pacers or Jrue Holiday’s Pelicans (player option 2021) is worth a try, but as free agency approaches, the Timberwolves should extract more value in return. The list of potentially available All-Stars who match Minnesota’s one-two punches is here, with the caveat that all of the names already mentioned might not even be close to being accessible.
However, not all business scenarios have to turn out to be scorched earth. The Timberwolves may consider moving for a bundle of an alternate lottery choice and a veteran. But finding that right match would be a challenge. The potential scenarios dry up very quickly.
Does the frame of Otto Porter Jr. and # 4 do it? Would the Bulls also include Lauri Markkanen? Does John Collins and No.6 for No.1 make sense for Minnesota or Atlanta? Do Buddy Hield and No.12 get the Timberwolves’ attention? Are Dejounte Murray, Derrick White, Rudy Gay and No.11 Too Rich for San Antonio? Not enough for Minnesota?
You can see the issues facing a shop-it mandate. However, the Timberwolves are no exception. They have shown that they are more for today than for tomorrow, and in this draft, with so few guarantees at the top, they should feel pressured to solicit bids for the No.1 choice more than they do. would do in most years.
Verdict: Buy it
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