Generally, the best teams in the NBA don’t have many assets. There are exceptions – we’re looking at you, Oklahoma City Thunder – but typically, those teams have exhausted their resources.
The Minnesota Timberwolves are no exception. They’re on top of the Western Conference. To get there, the Wolves had to spend. Now, their resources are depleted. At the same time, the Timberwolves could use an upgrade in their backcourt.
That can happen. The Wolves won’t be able to land a star, but they could get an impact player. How about Dennis Schroder of the Toronto Raptors?
NBA Trade Proposal
Toronto Raptors Receive: F Kyle Anderson, G/F Troy Brown Jr., 2025 Second-Round Pick (UTA via MIN), 2029 Second-Round Pick (MIN)
Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: G Dennis Schroder
Inversely, the worst teams in the NBA need assets. Otherwise, they’ll struggle to improve. If your team is at the bottom of the NBA standings, you’d better hope that they have a surplus of young players and draft capital.
What about teams in the middle of the standings? Well, they need to pick a direction. Middling teams should decide whether they want to trade for a star and take a leap forward or collect assets and descend to the bottom of the standings.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dennis Schroder, Toronto Raptors, Minnesota Timberwolves Updates
The Raptors just picked the latter route. They’ve already moved Pascal Siakam and O.G. Anunoby this year. Yet, they still have some veteran players to move. Should they send Schroder to the Wolves?
Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal
Moving Schroder makes sense. The Raptors have no reason to keep him. They should be making as much room as possible for Scottie Barnes, Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett, and Kira Lewis Jr. to run the offense.
What should they expect for him? Well, a first-round pick is out of the question. That wouldn’t be Schroder’s market value in any market, and this is a buyer’s market. A pair of second-rounders should satisfy the Raptors.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dennis Schroder, Toronto Raptors, Minnesota Timberwolves Updates
So should an expiring contract and a young player. Brown Jr. isn’t likely to ever start in the NBA, but he could be a long-term rotation player for the Raptors. Should the Wolves part with him?
Why The Minnesota Timberwolves Do The Deal
Anderson is a good player. With that said, most of his value comes on the defensive end of the floor this year. The Wolves could see him as expendable with Jaden McDaniels on the roster. More broadly, this team has some of the best frontcourt depth in the NBA.
On the other hand, their backcourt is weak. Anthony Edwards is a star, but he’s a borderline wing, and more of a pure scorer than a playmaker. Mike Conley is defying expected aging curves, but he’s still aging. He could use some help running point for this team.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dennis Schroder, Toronto Raptors, Minnesota Timberwolves Updates
Schroder can help. His ability to drive and kick will give this offense a new dynamic. If the Wolves are looking for an affordable point guard, they should look no further. After all, this team is – rightfully – light on assets.
