Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: G Malcolm Brogdon

Indiana Pacers Receive: G D’Angelo Russell

This straight-up swap finds the Minnesota Timberwolves and Indiana Pacers exchanging floor generals. Why would either side be interested in this deal?

The Wolves’ interest doubles back to recentering their offense around Edwards and KAT. Brogdon is a better floor-spacer than Russell, so he provides more value off the ball. He’s also a higher IQ player who’s likely to be more apt in getting those guys in positions to succeed.

Meanwhile, the Pacers land a player who’s three years younger than Brogdon. He probably has more raw talent too. They don’t have an Edwards or a Towns at the moment, so they should have a stronger stomach for Russell’s ball dominance.

On the other hand, they do have a Tyrese Haliburton. He was beginning to look like a future star down the stretch in 2021-22. His potential fit with Russell is a question that hangs over all of these proposals.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 2 Perfect Trade Destinations For Timberwolves’ D’Angelo Russell

We think it could work. Haliburton is a superb floor spacer. He provides plenty of value both on and off the ball. He can handle traditional point guard responsibilities in minutes without Russell, while functioning as an off-guard when they share the floor. If the Wolves aren’t interested in Brogdon, there may be another way to pair this backcourt in Indiana.