Does this trade make sense for the Minnesota Timberwolves?
Taking a chance on adding Myles Turner to their frontcourt could definitely pay off big time for the Minnesota Timberwolves and this is a trade they should definitely pursue because they would not really have to give up much value.
Malik Beasley is set to make over $46M through the 2023-24 season, so they would not only get out of his long-term contract, but he really has not been a key offensive threat for them this season.
In 37 games last year, Malik Beasley averaged 19.6 points per game while shooting 39.9% from distance, but so far this season, he is only averaging 10.6 points per game while shooting 32.6% from three-point range.
This regression is definitely a concerning sight for the Timberwolves and while he is still a young talent, Beasley is not going to ultimately be the difference in this team making or missing the playoffs this season. The same can be said about Josh Okogie and what he brings to the table.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Best & Worst Trade Destinations For Pacers’ Myles Turner
Not being much of an offensive threat, Josh Okogie does a lot of his work defensively and takes on the responsibility of defending the other team’s best player from time to time. He is not an elite defender yet, but Okogie is definitely well above the average in this league for on-ball defending and really can hold his own against virtually anyone on the wing.
The Timberwolves love the upside he presents to them on defense, but at the same time, he is in the final year of his contract and is he someone the team really wants to invest in long-term, especially given his offensive struggles?
In this trade with the Indiana Pacers, Minnesota would not only be sacrificing both of these guys, but a protected first-round pick and a future second-round pick as well. This is very fair value for a player like Myles Turner, especially since this team wants to win right now.
Obviously giving up a first-round pick could hurt their chances of adding another young talent to this team, but when you look at the big picture for the Timberwolves, young talents do not really do anything for them right now.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Best & Worst Trade Destinations For Pacers’ Myles Turner
Having a “Big 3” in place with key talents like Patrick Beverley, Jarred Vanderbilt and Naz Reid around them, the main goal for Minnesota right now has to be to continue surrounding their All-Star talents with other high-level threats on either end of the floor.
Myles Turner is not only one of the best defenders and shot-blockers in the league, but he is also someone who can score in double-digits every single night, even next to Karl-Anthony Towns in the frontcourt! This would be a great acquisition for the Timberwolves to make ahead of the trade deadline this year and it would put them one step closer to making it back to the playoffs for the first-time in four seasons.
