Why The Minnesota Timberwolves Do The Deal
Obviously, this is not what the Wolves envisioned heading into 2022-23.
Their rationale behind acquiring Gobert was simple, and sound enough – in a vacuum. Karl-Anthony Towns is a weak interior defender. Why not acquire the best interior defender in basketball?
Well, there are a few reasons. For starters, Towns can’t guard the perimeter either – in fact, that may be a bigger challenge for him. Moreover, with their new jumbo-sized frontcourt, the Timberwolves are built to play slow. That’s less than ideal for Anthony Edwards – arguably, their most important player.
This deal should allow them to speed things up. Hayward is a strong third option as a wing who can make plays for himself and others.
Meanwhile, Washington can start at the 4 alongside Towns, and man super speedy small ball lineups at the 5. His versatile defense should help cover for Towns’ limitations as well.
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In the aggregate, this deal would have the Wolves trading, in essence, Jarred Vanderbilt and three first-round picks for Gordon Hayward and P.J. Washington. That’s a loss, but it’s not a devastating one either.
Moreover, if it improves Edwards’ morale, it may be worth the cost. Is Gobert worth this price to the Hornets?
