Why The Minnesota Timberwolves Do The Deal
Just like the Heat, the Timberwolves have an ulterior motive here. They’re invested in the draft capital as much as they are in Lowry.
Yes, the pick is top 5 protected. That’s fine. If the Heat’s pick lands in that range, it will shock the world. They’re protecting themselves against a very unlikely and disastrous string of injuries.
A season wherein Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo both got hurt, and weren’t able to enter the Wembenyama sweepstakes, would be a black eye for the organization for years to come.
Barring that series of events, the pick will belong to the Wolves. With that said, while landing a first-round pick is always a benefit, the Wolves are in winnow mode. This only works for them if Lowry helps them, you know, win now.
Luckily, he should. Lowry has always been a more reliable floor spacer than Russell. In an offense that’s likely to run through Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns, that’s perfect. The Wolves don’t need much out of a point guard regarding self-creation.
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Moreover, Lowry brings championship experience and a know-how mentality to this club. That’s invaluable. If he can continue hitting threes and hustling on defense, this deal could help the Wolves improve in the short term and pick up a first-round pick.
That sounds like a brainy decision to us.
