The Minnesota Timberwolves is a young team that many predicted would make it to this season's playoffs. However, through 21 games, they are only 6-15 and have struggled to get some wins due to their lack of experience and defense. Rumor has it that Wolves coach Tom Thibodeau is growing impatient with his current roster and might trade one of his young talents for a veteran.
Meanwhile, Luol Deng is underperforming with the Los Angeles Lakers. Deng is the highest paid Laker in their current roster after he signed a deal worth $72 million over four years. He is averaging career-lows in points (6.8), rebounds (5.1), assists (1.3) and field goal percentage (34.1 percent) through 24 games.
The Lakers signed Deng for his defense and to be a veteran leader for a young roster. If he gets traded to another team, rookie Brandon Ingram will most likely be inserted into the starting lineup and Lou Williams and Metta World Peace will assume the veteran leadership. Lakers coach Luke Walton has shown that he's not afraid to throw his young guns into the fire and it has paid dividends despite their losing record.
Deng played for Thibodeau in Chicago and it's no secret Thibodeau likes him very much. In their time together, Deng played the most minutes per game in the entire NBA. Thibodeau relied heavily on him to stop opposing scorers.
If Thibodeau can work out a deal, he'll likely send Shabazz Muhammad and Nikola Pekovic. Muhammad is a versatile swingman who will fit right in with the Lakers' youth movement. Pekovic, who hasn't played a game this season due to an ankle injury, will be dealt just to match salaries. Deng will add experience and defense to a Wolves team who often loses games because of their inability to get stops.