One NBA writer has named Cole Anthony, Royce O’Neale and Nicolas Batum as the Minnesota Timberwolves’ top trade targets. Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report believes the Timberwolves should try to trade for Anthony, O’Neale or Batum.
“Finding a long-term lead guard would be a start, since 35-year-old Mike Conley is merely a stopgap solution for however many seasons he has left,” Buckley wrote in his latest NBA trade column. “Anthony, the No. 15 pick in 2020, could add scoring, shooting and passing, possibly at a discounted price, since the Orlando Magic have a glut of young guards.
“If the Wolves aren’t even thinking that far ahead, they could seek out more wing depth behind Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels. O’Neale is a tireless defender with a reliable outside shot (career 38.4 percent), and Batum still fills a support role with defensive versatility, spacing and a pinch of playmaking.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Cole Anthony, Royce O’Neale, Nicolas Batum, Minnesota Timberwolves Updates
Anthony appeared in 60 games for the Orlando Magic last season. He averaged 13.0 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.9 assists while shooting 45.4% from the field, 36.4% from beyond the arc and 89.4% from the free-throw line.
O’Neale appeared in 76 games for the Brooklyn Nets in 2022-23. He averaged 8.8 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.7 assists while shooting 38.6% from the floor, 38.9% from 3-point land and 72.5% from the foul line.
Finally, Batum appeared in 78 games for the Los Angeles Clippers last season. He averaged 6.1 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.6 assists while shooting 42.0% from the field, 39.1% from beyond the arc and 70.8% from the free-throw line. Batum plans on retiring from the NBA at the end of next season.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Cole Anthony, Royce O’Neale, Nicolas Batum, Minnesota Timberwolves Updates
The Timberwolves went 42-40 last season. They lost to the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the 2023 playoffs in five games.
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