Los Angeles Lakers Receive: F Gordon Hayward
Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: G Russell Westbrook, C Kai Jones, 2022 First-Round Pick (CHA), 2024 First-Round Pick (CHA), 2026 First-Round Pick (CHA), 2027 First-Round Pick (LAL)
Charlotte Hornets Receive: C Karl-Anthony Towns, F Jake Laymen
From the Minnesota Timberwolves’ point of view, the haul of draft capital remains the major appeal here. They’re opting for a veteran on an expiring deal rather than acquiring one with years remaining on their contract after next season.
They won’t face the same conflicts with Russell Westbrook as they would with Hayward. It’s clear that they’d either buy him out or sit him. They’re interested in him strictly for his expiring pact.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers get to swap him for a player who actually ought to fit alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The Charlotte Hornets benefit from inviting them to the party too: they’ve got to dole out one less first-round pick with the inclusion of the Lakers.
In the extremely unlikely event that the Wolves were looking to move on from KAT, these deals offer what feels like fair value for him.
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On the other hand, they could be more interested in tangible value than draft capital. In other words, they might want young players with proven NBA experience.
If that’s how they feel, we can think of one more way to get Towns to Charlotte.
