There might not be an NBA team with a bigger need to sell than the Minnesota Timberwolves. For a poor team in the Western Conference, they have plenty of big-name players that would be beneficial to be sent away. That is what they would be doing here in a deal with the San Antonio Spurs.
Minnesota landed Karl-Anthony Towns with the first-overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft. This was a pick that was supposed to turn the franchise around but that has not happened just yet. The Timberwolves have made the postseason just once since making that selection of Towns.
They have attempted to put perimeter threats around Towns such as D’Angelo Russell and Malik Beasley. After another mediocre season in a strange year, Minnesota should look to blow it up this offseason. This is a long time coming and it could finally happen.
The Spurs have a chance to retool this offseason after losing some veteran names. San Antonio bought out LaMarcus Aldridge this season before he signed with Brooklyn and eventually had to retire. DeMar DeRozan left in free agency, which was to be expected after his contract expired.
The Spurs did not send DeRozan away in hopes of making a run to the postseason. Instead, they were eliminated prior to series play. This marks the second-straight season that San Antonio failed to make the postseason.
Now, it is time to make some moves to improve the lineup. Here is a potential NBA trade scenario centered around D’Angelo Russell that involves both the San Antonio Spurs and Minnesota Timberwolves.
San Antonio Spurs Receive: G D’Angelo Russell
Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: G Dejounte Murray, F Thaddeus Young, 2022 First Round Pick (Top 10 Protected)
The Minnesota Timberwolves could go many ways in the near future if they want to make a deal. It depends on whether the team wants to re-tool around Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns, or if they want to just rebuild and make Edwards the focus.
Of course, Malik Beasley could be options to be moved but D’Angelo Russell would be the centerpiece in this one. He knows a thing or two about being traded in his career and this could be another change for the former Ohio State Buckeye.
The Spurs would have to send away some assets in order to get Russell. While his trade value is likely lower now than it’s been in the past given his injury history, he remains an intriguing option for a San Antonio squad sorely in need of more creation on offense.
Dejounte Murray is the perfect replacement in Minnesota and would be the big name being sent to the Timberwolves. He would bring an immediate boost on defense while still being an effective option to turn to in order to create dribble penetration.
The Timberwolves would also get Thaddeus Young and a first-round pick in the 2022 NBA Draft in their return. The defensive versatility that Young brings to the table when coupled with Murray’s impact could bring a real boost.
Let’s take a closer look and see how this NBA trade scenario centered around D’Angelo Russell would impact both the Minnesota Timberwolves and San Antonio Spurs.