It’s normal to have regrets. We’ve all decided that, given the choice, we’d take something back. All you can do is try to make the right decision next time. The same holds for NBA teams.
Do the Minnesota Timberwolves regret trading for Rudy Gobert? They might. This team gave up several unprotected first-round picks for the big man. They indeed hoped to have a better 2022-23 season. Instead, the Wolves missed out on the postseason – and moved all their assets in the process.
Meanwhile, the Wolves weren’t the only team to make a big, questionable trade last summer. The Atlanta Hawks gave up a lot for Dejounte Murray. That’s looking regrettable in its own right. Could these two sides orchestrate a do-over together?
The Trade Proposal
Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: G Trae Young
Atlanta Hawks Receive: F/C Karl-Anthony Towns, G/F Troy Brown Jr.
Both of these teams used similar logic in making their moves last summer. They both had a dynamic offensive superstar with defensive limitations. They both tried to cover for those limitations. That made sense – they didn’t try to cover for them adequately.
Take the Hawks. Yes, Trae Young is a defensive liability. So yes, acquiring an elite perimeter defender like Murray made sense. Unfortunately, his inability to shoot makes him a poor fit on the offensive end. The Hawks should have been looking for Klay Thompson, not another playmaker.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves & Atlanta Hawks Updates
Meanwhile, Towns can’t guard the interior. He can’t guard the perimeter, either. Acquiring Gobert didn’t fix the problem – it merely shifted it. The Timberwolves needed to surround Towns with elite perimeter defense and live without rim protection. Could the Hawks execute that plan?
Why The Atlanta Hawks Do The Deal
Frankly, they’re already on their way. The fit between Towns and Murray is pristine. Towns cover for Murray’s poor shooting, and with Murray at the point of attack, Towns will have fewer shots to contest. This is a sensible duo.
The Hawks have more players who can cover for Towns as well. DeAndre Hunter is solid, and AJ Griffin has flashed defensive potential. That said, this whole roster isn’t a clean fit alongside Towns. What would the Hawks do with Clint Capela?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves & Atlanta Hawks Updates
In all likelihood, trade him. If the Hawks can get a good return for their current starting big, adding Towns could make them a better team. Does adding Young do the same for the Timberwolves?
Why The Minnesota Timberwolves Do The Deal
Towns and Murray are a sensible duo. So are Young and Gobert. Each team was right to make a deal last summer – they made the wrong deals. Minnesota should have been interested in Murray, and the Hawks should have gone after Gobert.
Here, we’ve got the same duos forming on opposite teams. Gobert’s ability to protect the paint can shield Young. Having Jaden McDaniels helps tremendously as well. Meanwhile, Young and Gobert should have great pick-and-roll chemistry from day one. All of the pieces here fit nicely.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves & Atlanta Hawks Updates
That’s before even mentioning Anthony Edwards. Life will be easier for him alongside a dynamic playmaker like Young. Ultimately, this superstar swap makes sense for both sides – we don’t think either would regret making it.
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