Does this trade make sense for the Minnesota Timberwolves?
Adding Lauri Markkanen would be a strong addition for Minnesota’s frontcourt, but this is a move that would end up hard-capping them. The Timberwolves are already paying out about $126M in contracts during the 2021-22 season and this is an organization that has been to the playoffs just once since the 2004-05 season.
Bringing in another large contract may not be favorable to them in the grand scheme of things, but in the NBA today, especially in the Western Conference, you need talent in order to win games and potentially make the playoffs. Towns, Russell and Edwards are talented player, but the T-Wolves are still lacking talent on their roster to potentially contend for a play-in spot.
Of the teams in the Western Conference that made the playoffs this past year, none of them really got worse and of the teams that missed the playoffs, the Warriors and Pelicans both got better. There is little room for error for the Timberwolves if they are going to have a chance to make the playoffs, which is why they need Lauri Markkanen.
He can give them that extra little bit of offensive firepower they need on offense and could be the final piece they need to finally make a legit playoff push. The Timberwolves are not a bad team, but injuries and lack of supporting cast has really hurt them over the years.
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Finally being able to add that key secondary talent to their lineup could really set them over the edge compared to where they have been as a team over the last few seasons, which is why this move is necessary for them. Taurean Prince is not much value to lose and while a 2023 first-round pick could be valuable, this team needs to be able to find ways to win now.
Losing has been a part of this Minnesota franchise for too long now, which is why they need to finally make a move to better themselves. Acquiring Markkanen via a sign-and-trade is this move and the Timberwolves should not shy away from this deal if it is presented to them.
