Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: C Christian Wood, G Eric Gordon, 2022 First-Round Pick (BKN), 2023 First-Round Pick (MIL), 2024 First-Round Pick (BKN), 2026 First-Round Pick (BKN), 2027 First-Round Pick (BKN)

Houston Rockets Receive: C Karl-Anthony Towns

Ah, the old pile of draft picks for a star exchange. The Houston Rockets are all-too-familiar with this song and dance.

After all, it’s how they ended up in the position they’re in now. When James Harden demanded a trade from this team, their draft capital was practically non-existent.

They’d moved most of it to build a contending roster around Harden. In dealing him, they prioritized draft capital above all else.

The Wolves do the same in trading their franchise player here. They also get a facsimile of Towns in Christian Wood. He’s a comparable floor-spacer, albeit a much less well-rounded offensive player. That’s why he’s attached to five first-round picks in this deal.

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This trade gives the Wolves an opportunity to reset. It affords them maximum flexibility to build around Anthony Edwards. On the other hand, they may want some more young players with NBA experience instead of so much draft capital.

The Rockets can help them there as well.