Does this trade make sense for the Minnesota Timberwolves?
Currently 11-14, the Minnesota Timberwolves are right in the thick of things in the Western Conference playoff picture early on in the season and they really do have a shot to not only make the playoffs, but potentially avoid having to play in the play-in tournament.
Not only has this team improved defensively compared to a season ago, but they are starting to play really well together, as they have a nice blend of veteran and young talents.
This trade would allow the Timberwolves to hold onto some of their young guys in Jaden McDaniels, Anthony Edwards and Jarred Vanderbilt, as well as not really lose any of their production on offense.
Damian Lillard makes them 10 times better offensively than D’Angelo Russell does and Taurean Prince is nothing more than a role player of this team in the final year of his contract. The only question presented by this trade is if going after Lillard is worth all of the draft picks the T-Wolves would lose?
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From a pure winning perspective and talent perspective, leveraging these draft assets for Lillard definitely makes sense for the Timberwolves, but they would have to make sure that he is “all-in” on playing for them past when his contract is up following the 2024-25 season.
By making this trade, Minnesota would need to have Damian Lillard for at least 5-6 years to make things worthwhile and Lillard may not be ready to commit to this.
Now 31-years-old, Lillard is in the second-half of his career and as the years go on, winning a title is going to be the only thing he is focused on.
Minnesota may not present the best chance for him to do so after a year or two of being there with Towns and Edwards, which could ultimately result in him playing out his contract through the 2023-24 season and then opting out of the final year of his contract at the age of 34 to try and join a team where he can win a championship.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Damian Lillard Growing ‘Frustrated’ With Trail Blazers’ Play
If Dame will commit to the Minnesota Timberwolves long-term, then this trade probably does make sense for this organization, especially since they will be ushering in a new era under new ownership in the coming years.
