Despite ending the 2019/20 season with 2019 All-Stars Karl-Anthony Towns and D’Angelo Russell on the roster, the Timberwolves finished with a paltry 19-45 record, second-worst in the Western Conference and third-worst overall in the NBA.
Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic takes us behind the scenes of the NBA draft lottery that resulted in some more positive news for the Wolves’ 2020/21 season, as the team nabbed the No. 1 pick for the 2020 draft, currently scheduled for October 16. President of basketball operations Gersson Rosas expressed excitement about the team’s future prospects with the top pick on the horizon.
“Development is important and critical to our success, but this allows us to take a major step in terms of the talent acquisition, whether it’s in the draft or trade market, whatever the case may be,” Rosas said. “It really positions us well moving forward.”
There’s more out of the NBA’s Northwest Division:
- The Timberwolves will still have several considerations to account for now that they have the No. 1 pick for the 2020 draft, according to Chris Hine of the Star Tribune. Rosas noted that, whether Minnesota retains the pick or trades it for a veteran asset, the team will be able to build around its two 24-year-old centerpieces and some exciting, inexpensive depth like defensive-oriented shooting guard Josh Okogie. “This No. 1 pick gives it another layer of value to find whether it’s the No. 2 or No. 3 guy,” Rosas said. “We’re not this organization that’s bare and is praying for a franchise pick, which I think gives us a different perspective as we go into this draft.” The most natural fit for Minnesota among the top prospects appears to be swingman Anthony Edwards of Georgia.
- Trail Blazers starting small forward Trevor Ariza told ESPN’s Jackie MacMullan that his decision to opt out of the NBA’s restart to spend time with his son was worth it, but that it’s been tough to watch his teammates from afar. “Man, the word ‘hard’ doesn’t even begin to describe it,” Ariza said. “This is what I was born to do, to play basketball. I’ve been doing it my whole life. And to know my team has a chance to compete for a championship, and I’m not with them. … It burns me up inside.” Ariza also confirmed that he briefly explored the idea of rejoining the Blazers once his visitation period with his son was over, but that the NBA made it clear it wouldn’t be permitted.
- Undrafted Jazz rookie wing Juwan Morgan has proved his mettle as a key role player during Utah’s first round playoff series against the Nuggets, as we detailed last week. Morgan is averaging 15.6 MPG in the series and started for Utah’s first two games with point guard Mike Conley away from the team. He’s signed with the Jazz for a one-year, $746K minimum salary.
I think Booker and Beal are not available for trade.
Trade Idea
Wolves get John Collins and Huerter
Hawks get #1 pick and Culver
Lol in no universe would the wolves make that trade
I think NBA GM’s would get a laugh out of most of his trades.
Cavs Get: 1st, 17th and James Johnson
Wolves Get: KLove 5th and Osman.
Love fits perfectly with KAT and that team. With the 5th pick they can select Vassell nice 3 and D player to replace Johnson and Osman is a solid rotational piece for a team attempting to make the playoffs.
It looks good trade to me, But (there is always a but)
Cavs Get: 1st, 17th and James Johnson
Salary = 33 million
Wolves Get: KLove 5th and Osman.
Salary = 47 million
Cavs do want to trade up, but MIN says no to giving up the #17.
Could go Love + #5 for #1 + Johnson, Culver & Layman, as a salary match within 125%. Cavs could trade Love if they could get a #1 from it, but MIN probably still says no.
Next season Wolves will have 13 million in cap space. Should be able to do the trade.
That’s an awful trade . Why would Minnesota want Love back at his age and injury history. You must be a cavs fan
Love is still giving you 18 & 10. His game translates well with age. He’s now a sharpshooting PF that still rebounds very well. A lot of his recent injuries have been exaggerated to muster up more losses.
He also fits in very well with what Minn has. They also aren’t giving up anything they need. They’ll be able to draft someone that makes an immediate impact in Vassell, Okoro or Okgunwa with the 5th pick. Osman will also better than anyone they’d get at 17. He’s a decent 3 & D player. They don’t need anymore young guys. They HAVE to win now. Especially with the Warriors getting their pick next year.
Someone piece together a trade were the cavs get wiggins back and get the number one pick
That seems unfair that Ariza wasn’t allowed to rejoin the team after he initially opted out… I guess the NBA opt-outs were final unlike the MLB’s where a guy like Markakis was allowed to change his mind. But as much as I’m sure the Trailblazers are disappointed that Ariza isn’t with the team… I find it really respectable as a human being that he chose his son over basketball. That must have been a difficult choice for him to make… and I’m sure his young son appreciates it and will have a big impact on his life as he grows up knowing he has a father who was willing to sacrifice so much to spend time with him!
His presence with the team certainly would have made a huge impact on the first round matchup with the Lakers. If Ariza was with the Blazers right now they could easily be tied 2-2.
So do tell us mvps… In your opinion Ariza is a star then? Unlike Jokic, right? ’cause we all can see is that LAL have swept the floor with POR for 3 straight games, only a big star could have changed even 1 of those games, right?
Of course the Timberpuppies get the #1 pick in a year in which there is no clear cut player who is the #1 pick. The Timberpuppies will do the following:
#1 They will pick the wrong guy who never pans out.
#17 They will pick a marginal role player who soon disappears into obscurity from the team and the NBA
#33 Either trade the pick or select a player with absolutely no chance of making the team who nobody ever heard of and who nobody ever will.
And don’t forget
All their picks: watch as players taken around their draft picks turn into studs
Just take Ball. If you’re going to bleep up go 100%.
They have DLo, Culver, Okogie and maybe Beasley all playing the same position unless they run DLo at point. Toppin is probably the best fit for them.
Everyone loves Edward’s but he is a chucker and an inefficient one.
Trading the pick may be the better option, but they could probably get a decent 3 or 4 with the 17th and Johnsons contract.
They should trade down and select a versatile forward like Vassell, Okoro, or even Toppin if possible. Re-sign Beasley, and you have a talented if inexperienced backcourt with Malik and Russell. Towns can start with the rookie wing and one of either Hernangomez or James Johnson, who each flashed some potential late last season
The bench could consist of Culver, the other power forward, Okogie, the 17th pick, and Layman. Not too bad, although competing in the deep western conference will be a real challenge
ESPN compare Edwards to Young Wiggins
The best idea is to trade down to get a top 8 pick and next year pick
If Wolves take Edwards any chance they trade Culver for #8 to NYK