The Minnesota Timberwolves could have a real shot at acquiring Paul George, but could be at the expense of the team's young talents.
At this point, the Timberwolves are not well positioned to make its first playoff appearance in more than a decade. But there is no denying the bright future ahead of the franchise as the likes of Andrew Wiggins, Karl Anthony-Towns and Zach Lavine continue to establish themselves as the rising stars of the league.
However, Timberwolves head coach and president of basketball operations Tom Thibodeau could be growing impatient with the team's status and may deal one of Minny's young talents to help the franchise win now.
With the team having plenty of young talents, they are poised to orchestrate a deal for a proven veteran, according to Dan Favale of Bleacher Report.
"If a Jimmy Butler- or Paul George-type player becomes available, then the Timberwolves have enough incentive to consolidate some of their assets. Otherwise, there's no point in mortgaging the future for a better shot at an early postseason exit," Favale wrote.
In the same report, Favale explored the possibility of the Pacers trading George, who is likely to hit free agency next season (player option).
Indiana is facing a difficult task of securing George long-term. Cameron Stewart of Hoops Habit believes the Pacers' current situation may not bode well for their hopes of keeping the All-Star forward in their fold.
"George will surely get a max deal, so salary will not be an issue. For surefire max players, their decision hinges largely on three things: basketball situation, location and how a new team could help them off the court. This doesn't bode well for the Pacers' hopes of retaining George," Stewart wrote.
It is unclear whether the Timberwolves would consider trading their core of young talents, but as it stands, any potential deal for George would likely include a package of young prospects and draft picks, which Minnesota has in possession.
Would a combination of Lavine and Wiggins enticing enough for the Pacers? Probably. If the Pacers decide to move on from George, a full-scale rebuild is certainly their next step, which means acquiring a collection of picks and prospects from a team like the Timberwolves.
George would instantly turn the Timberwolves into contenders and may immediately end the franchise's postseason drought. The 26-year-old forward should fit well playing for Thibs, who has handled George during their time together in Team USA.
The Timberwolves are probably two years away from being a playoff contender, given the talents they currently possess. If Thibodeau really wants to speed up the team's process, trading for a player like George is the ultimate option to consider.
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