Why The Minnesota Timberwolves Do The Deal 

Typically, when we write a Westbrook deal, there’s an accompanying section about what the team receiving him would do with him. Usually, we conclude that they would buy him out, or sit him. Not this time. 

The Wolves may actually be able to use Westbrook. Following this deal, they’d be bumping Karl-Anthony Towns back to his normal five position. His ability to space the floor from there may make Westbrook a viable option as a starting point guard. 

Westbrook also likes to push the pace. That ought to suit Anthony Edwards. By contrast, current starter D’Angelo Russell prefers to probe in the halfcourt in pick-and-roll sets. If the change benefits Edwards, it’s automatically worth it. 

Still, the biggest benefit here is obviously the draft capital the Wolves are receiving. On the one hand, moving four first-round picks for Gobert only to receive two will sting.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Rudy Gobert, Minnesota Timberwolves & Los Angeles Lakers Updates

On the other hand, these picks are especially valuable, and more broadly, the picks they sent out are already sunk costs. 

Hopefully, this big decision works out for Minnesota.