The Timberwolves have found themselves in possession of a first-round draft pick this spring. When Wolves GM Tim Connelly made the move to bring in Rudy Gobert, he sent out first-round picks in 2023, 2025, 2027, and 2029. It seemed unlikely the Wolves would be back in the first round this year. However, when he later traded away Karl-Anthony Towns, the Knicks threw in a protected pick by way of Detroit. Detroit had long been a lottery team, so it was a long shot that Minnesota would find itself with any draft capital this spring. However, when the Pistons jumped into the top six teams in the East, Minnesota’s newfound asset became the 17th overall pick. Now, with just weeks before draft night, the Timberwolves have an important decision to make.
Timberwolves Face Crucial Draft Decision
Draft a Young Prospect
This is the most straightforward option. Minnesota could simply draft a player who will fill a roster spot and hopefully develop into a future rotation player. The Wolves’ rotation isn’t set in stone, with free agency decisions looming for Julius Randle, Naz Reid, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker. Three sophomore players wait to fill those slots should any of the three free agents move on. Rob Dillingham, drafted eighth overall last spring, showed flashes of brilliance in limited minutes. Terrence Shannon Jr., drafted 27th overall, put together some high-level performances in the Western Conference Finals. Jaylen Clark, drafted in 2023 before missing all of his first season with an Achilles injury, was tenacious on defense while adding some much-needed energy.
Minnesota coach Chris Finch is not a big fan of playing rookies important minutes. If the Timberwolves make a draft selection at number 17, they would likely develop for a year or two before making the rotation. However, with a team that has a few aging starters, developing a younger big to take the spot of Gobert once his effectiveness diminishes isn’t a bad option. Players such as Thomas Sorber, Rasheer Fleming, or Asa Newell project to be available at 17. All of them offer size and flexibility and fit the younger timeline led by Anthony Edwards. This would be a move for the future, but with Edwards entering his prime soon, that future looks bright.
Timberwolves Could Trade Up in This Draft
Besides the Detroit pick at 17, Minnesota also holds the 31st overall pick, the first choice in the second round. This valuable pick carries the extra attraction of a second-round contract, much cheaper than a first-round pick. If the Wolves brass sees a prospect who could drastically improve the roster, they could package picks 17 and 31 to move up. Players such as Derik Queen or Khaman Maluach could be impact bigs who fit the Wolves’ needs. This move would be predicated by another team in the top ten that is willing to move down and pick up multiple players. A trade partner might be difficult to find, but Connelly could try to work some magic.
Make a Big Splash
The third option is the most unlikely, but the most exciting. There’s a trade market opening up for big-name superstars like Kevin Durant or Giannis Antetokounmpo. Minnesota lacks the assets to make a move for Antetokounmpo, but Durant has long been linked to Minnesota. If the Timberwolves send Phoenix an offer, they would need to include their draft picks. It depends on free agency, but Randle or Reid could also be pieces the Suns would want in return, as well as young talents like Dillingham or Shannon Jr.. Although the chances of a big move like this are slim, Connelly is no stranger to blockbuster trades. If he sees a window for the Wolves to win a ring, bringing in Durant could push them over the edge. Edwards and Durant built rapport over the summer at the Olympics, but the elder superstar would be a risk. He is 36 years old and failed to make the playoffs with a flawed roster last season. Minnesota could be in danger of undoing some of the continuity and camaraderie built over the past two seasons. This would be a polarizing move, but the upside is undeniable.
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