Does this trade make sense for the Minnesota Timberwolves?
Right now, the Minnesota Timberwolves are the 9-seed in the Western Conference right now and this is likely where they will remain for the rest of the season. Minnesota is not overly talented outside of their “Big 3” of Russell, Edwards and Towns, meaning that they will likely have to earn their playoff spot via the play-in tournament.
For a team that has not been to the playoffs since 2018, they will gladly accept this opportunity, but at the same time, they have to be careful with some moves they make. For once, the Timberwolves are going to be looking to add talent to their roster at the trade deadline instead of giving talent away, which is why they make them think twice about trading Malik Bealsey.
He is certainly a tradeable talent on this Timberwolves’ roster, but if they are to move Beasley, Minnesota is going to be looking to add another high-level talent that can help them lock up a playoff spot this season.
Ben Simmons has been a rumored trade target of the Timberwolves, along with other high-level, All-Star-like players, and in order for this team to have a chance at landing someone like Simmons, they are going to need to leverage Malik Beasley and his $14.3M contract this season.
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Trading him to New York would ultimately be the move this franchise could make ahead of the trade deadline, other than maybe moving Taurean Prince as well. Is a trade involving Kemba Walker and Kevin Knox enough value for the Timberwolves to receive in a deal involving Malik Beasley?
The simple answer is probably “no”, even though Kemba Walker could ultimately prove to be useful. This is a major liability to take on right now and not a chance the Minnesota Timberwolves should be willing to take when they are so close to making the playoffs.
Their roster is good how it is right now and while it can always get better, it could also get worse. Minnesota wants to win right now, which is why this trade with the New York Knicks is not one that they should show interest in.
