Any market fluctuates. That’s how markets work. Something’s value today doesn’t tell you what its value will be tomorrow. The same holds in the NBA’s trade market. Like any other market, it fluctuates.
You don’t need to tell the Minnesota Timberwolves. They gave up four unprotected first-round picks to acquire Rudy Gobert last summer. If they put him on the market today, they may not get a pick for him. The market changed, and the Timberwolves are victims. How can they rectify this situation?
Well, they could trade Gobert anyway. They’d be taking a major value loss, but it might improve the team. Alternatively, if they moved Karl-Anthony Towns, they’d recoup some of that Gobert value – although, we don’t think they’d get four unprotected firsts. Here’s a deal that has them sending Towns to the Dallas Mavericks.
The Trade Proposal
Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: G/F Tim Hardaway Jr., C Richaun Holmes, G/F Josh Green, G Jaden Hardy, 2027 First-Round Pick (DAL), 2030 First-Round Pick (Swap – SAS or DAL)
Dallas Mavericks Receive: F/C Karl-Anthony Towns
With that said, the Timberwolves didn’t necessarily pay market value for Gobert. In fact, fans around the league were left with their jaws on the floor when they saw the details of that deal. The Timberwolves overpaid for Gobert. That doesn’t mean that they can’t justify the decision.
They can. The Timberwolves needed rim protection, and Gobert is the best rim protector in the NBA. This team has two elite players in Towns and Anthony Edwards, and they needed to have a successful season. Unfortunately, they didn’t – and now, they don’t even have the draft capital to show for it.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves & Dallas Mavericks Updates
This puts the Timberwolves in a sticky situation. It’s hard to see how this team improves. Yet, they’re desperate for improvement. If they wanted to trade Gobert, they may actually have to attach draft capital to his deal. Should they move Towns instead?
Why The Minnesota Timberwolves Do The Deal
This won’t be an easy decision for the Timberwolves to make. They’re moving their long-term franchise player, and they aren’t getting better for it. On the other hand, they aren’t rebuilding, either. After all, the Timberwolves have a new franchise player. This team needs to do what’s best for Edwards.
We’re not saying he can’t play with Towns. There’s no reason why they can’t play together. With that said, having a pair of big men in the frontcourt doesn’t seem optimal for Edwards. This arrangement has forced the Timberwolves to play at a slow pace, and Edwards likes to run.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves & Dallas Mavericks Updates
Here, they’re trying to rebalance their roster. If the Wolves are lucky, it could make them a better team. If nothing else, they can pair Gobert with Jaden McDaniels in the frontcourt full-time to form an elite defense. Moreover, this deal has them netting a first-round pick and some swap rights as well as two exciting young players. In time, they could land a more appropriate co-star for Edwards with those assets. Should Dallas give so much up for Towns?
Why The Dallas Mavericks Do The Deal
This may not be the most sensible decision for Dallas. To be sure, most would have them landing a defensive anchor at the 5. That’s not Towns – in fact, his poor interior defense is exactly why the Timberwolves acquired Gobert in the first place.
At the same time, the offensive firepower here is difficult to ignore. Towns would be joining Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. That’s among the most talented offensive trios in the NBA – realistically, only the Phoenix Suns can compare. The Mavericks would arguably be a superteam following this deal.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves & Dallas Mavericks Updates
They’ll also be entirely without draft capital. That’s fine. A contending team can always justify draining its resources in a bid to improve. If the market fluctuates again, this deal could look like a steal for Dallas in hindsight.
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