Does this trade make sense for the Minnesota Timberwolves?
Trading for Gallinari in this scenario makes sense, only because the Timberwolves would be dumping two players they really do not need. Ricky Rubio was solid for the Timberwolves this past season, but he really does not present them with a huge chance to win games.
Rubio is a starting point guard caliber player in this league, and even a sixth-man type of player, but his $17.8M contract is one that the Timberwolves would like to move on from this summer. Trading him for an impactful role player that can contribute to their bench scoring efforts is definitely useful for Minnesota and they have other young talents who can fill his minutes in the backcourt.
Jarrett Culver is definitely still a somewhat valuable prospect, but injuries have really dampered his playing time in Minnesota. Since being drafted 6th overall in 2019, Culver has played in just 97 games for the Timberwolves, averaging 7.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.4 assists and shooting 40.6% from the floor.
With the ability to play on or off-the-ball, Jarrett Culver is definitely a unique young prospect who can also make a difference defensively when healthy. At Texas Tech, he was known for being an athletic, two-way guard, which is why he could be viewed as an asset by Atlanta.
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Much like Rubio, Culver is a player that Minnesota is more than willing to move on from, especially if they would be adding a player to their roster that can make an immediate impact. Danilo Gallinari can do just that for this team in any role they put him in, which is why this trade is definitely worthwhile for the Minnesota Timberwolves, but they would have to convince the Atlanta Hawks to give up their veteran forward.
