The Timberwolves have set a high asking price for swingman Robert Covington, according to Marc Stein of The New York Times, who reports (via Twitter) that Minnesota has sought two first-round picks in any deal for Covington.
Covington, 29, has averaged 12.8 PPG and 5.9 RPG on .437/.347/.798 shooting in 47 games (29.4 MPG) for Minnesota this season. While those are fairly modest numbers, he’s viewed as an intriguing trade target for contenders due to his ability to slot in on virtually any roster as an above-average three-and-D wing. His team-friendly contract, which runs through 2021/22 and is worth just over $12MM annually, is also a plus.
Still, two first-rounders is a significant ask, and this isn’t the first time in recent days that a report has indicated the Wolves are aiming high in talks for Covington. Anthony Slater of The Athletic suggested the team was seeking Matisse Thybulle and a first-rounder from the Sixers, which Slater referred to as a “hang-up worthy offer.”
According to Stein, the 76ers and Rockets are “at the front of the line” for Covington. Houston has its own 2020 first-round pick available to include in a trade offer and is said to be shopping center Clint Capela as well. It’s not clear if Capela would appeal to the Wolves, but a three-team trade is a possibility to reroute another valuable asset to Minnesota.
As for Philadelphia, the club is extremely unlikely to move Thybulle and has traded away its own 2020 first-round pick, which could complicate trade discussions with Minnesota. But the Sixers do have a handful of interesting draft assets, including the Thunder’s top-20 protected 2020 first-round pick, multiple second-round selections (such as Atlanta’s and New York’s ’20 second-rounders), and their own first-rounders starting in 2022.
Unless the Rockets move Capela, neither Philadelphia nor Houston has an ideal mid-level salary-matching piece for a Covington trade, but both teams would have paths to get there with multiple lower-salary players. We’ll see if the Wolves are willing to hang onto Covington if their lofty asking price isn’t met or if the team lowers its expectations later this week.
There’s no way they get two first rounders for this player
Yeah. That ain’t gonna happen.
I’m guessing he’s a much better asset in the minds of NBA FO’s than in the minds of most fans. He checks all the short supply boxes. 2 way player, true combo F, team friendly multi-year contract. On the other side, he missed most of last year and this year hasn’t been his best.
Two 1st’s might be too high, but it depends who’s pick, when and what the protection is. For a contender to deal a pick in 20s of the 2020 draft, followed by a lottery-protected pick in two years that converts to 2nds after a few years would not be a high price if he’s even close to the player that Minny got last year.
Can’t drive to the basket and make a layup. Once he puts the ball on the ground hes lost.
With his athletic profile, if he had those skills at a level to apply them in an NBA game, he’d be in a select group of combo F’s who are the single most valued group in the game. A max guy, during his prime. He’s not in that group, but he’s in a very valued group a step or so down, namely the guys who can cover that group, with the shooting / passing / movement skills to stay on the floor for starter minutes. Most NBA FO’s care much more about RPM than 2 ball competition scores. His metrics plus contract make him a premium asset, whether you like it or not.
if this is any indication how the Twolfs front office thinks, its understandable why they suck year in and year out……
You know the current front office just got hired in the off-season, right?
You know the current front office just got hired in the off-season, right?
They’re drunk
The Rockets would give up 3 first rounders: they hand them out like candy in trades. Pretty obvious that Houston doesn’t believe in building thru the draft anymore.
It seems like the owner has the GM pressing for short term results considering what we heard about the amount of the GM’s salary that was going to be based on team record, playoff qualification, playoff results and a championship.
Y’all need to realize that we’re talking about two first rounders from a contending team. We’re not talking two lottery picks – we’re talking two picks in the low or mid twenties. His contract is a huge asset. Great 3 and D guys get paid much more than the 12mil Cov is getting. Bazemore got 19mil two years ago.
And I think all three teams he’s been on since then would tell you that was a mistake
Yea I’m sure they do, just like the Heat do for giving a similar contract to a similar player in Tyler Johnson. But I’m just saying that every year someone pays or overpays for 3 and D role guys, and with RoCo a team wouldn’t be risking an overpay, financially speaking.
I sought $21,500 for my used car as well. After about a year, I accepted an offer for less than half of that. I learned a big lesson in supply/demand economics with that deal.
This makes me feel that you didn’t look at the Blue Book value though….
The real lesson is don’t buy new.
RoCo to Houston
Capela to Mavericks
Lee to Minnesota, along with Houston’s 2020 1st rd pick and a top15 protected 2024 Mavs 1strd pick.
Could make sense for everyone.
Two first founders for a guy avg 12 per game. What is LBJ worth
The Wolves want Thybulle and a 1st from the Sixers for RoCo? I’ll have whatever they’re smoking…
Must be drinking a lot of hooch.