The Minnesota Timberwolves are again at the center of trade rumors. Ever since the 2016-2017 season began, trade rumors have been following the Minnesota Timberwolves. This was further heightened when Minnesota Timberwolves head coach and President of Basketball Operations Tom Thibodeau earlier stated that he's willing to trade one his young stars for a veteran player. Preferably a former player of his in the Chicago Bulls.
The latest trade rumor has the Minnesota Timberwolves trading away their two point guards, one center and two future draft picks. Under the proposed deal, starting point guard Ricky Rubio and his back up, point guard Kris Dunn, together with power forward/center Gorgui Dieng and two first round draft picks will be shipped to the Washington Wizards. In return the Minnesota Timberwolves will acquire All Star point guard John Wall.
The Minnesota Timberwolves are a young team. That's a not a bad thing to have. Unfortunately that has not translated into wins. The Minnesota Timberwolves are currently in 13th place in the Western Conference with a 6-17 win-loss record. They are on a three game losing streak and would most likely not make the playoffs. Tom Thibodeau is already getting impatient with his team.
What the team lacks is a veteran player that would lead them. That's where John Wall comes in. John Wall is already a proven leader and a scorer. He would easily blend in with the Minnesota Timberwolves young stars like Andrew Wiggins, Karl-Anthony Towns and Zach LaVine.
The Washinton Wizards on the hand has also been struggling this season. Just two years ago, they advanced to the 2nd round of the playoffs. Expectations were high last season. But they missed the playoffs. This season, the Washington Wizards have a 9-13 record and are currently in 11th place in the Eastern Conference. The Wizards are projected to miss the playoffs again this season.
That's why it's probably time to rebuild and trading John Wall would be a start. In return, the Washington Wizards would receive 3 decent players. Ricky Rubio has proven to be pass first point guard. So expect Bradley Beal's numbers to rise. Kris Dunn is a capable back up point guard as well Giorgui Dieng who could back up starting center Marcin Gortat. What's huge are the two first round draft picks. The Washington Wizards could use those picks to draft young and talented players or they trade them to acquire an elite player.
As of the moment, the salaries of the players involved won't match and would the put the Washington Wizards over the salary cap. But that's just a minor roadblock to make this deal work. A few adjustments and this deal would be good to go.