The Minnesota Timberwolves are reportedly interested in adding veteran players who can help the team win now. Chicago Bulls star Jimmy Butler has emerged as an intriguing option for the Timberwolves, but any potential deal involving the two-time All-Star may be off the team's list.
Timberwolves head coach and president of basketball operations Tom Thibodeau is growing impatient with his team, which could open up trade possibilities for Minnesota before the February deadline, according to Rich Bucher of Bleacher Report.
As Bucher noted, Thibs is looking for players he is already familiar with, namely Butler, Luol Deng and Taj Gibson, all of whom played under the coach's helms during their times together in Chicago.
Butler would be a tremendous boost for the Timberwolves' plans of immediately becoming contenders. Butler, who is averaging 25.8 points this season, would seamlessly fit under Thibodeau's system, as well as Deng and Gibson, who also strived playing for Thibs in Chicago.
However, a report from Yahoo Sports suggested that the Timberwolves be "better off" trading for Deng or Gibson. While there is no denying what Butler can bring to the table for the budding Timberwolves squad, it is also no secret it would require Minnesota future assets and young talents to complete any potential deal.
"Don't forget Butler was linked to the Wolves before the draft in exchange for the No. 5 pick and Wiggins. Minnesota instead kept the pick and drafted Kris Dunn, who is playing poorly so far in his rookie season. Headed for another high draft pick in the lottery for Kansas star Josh Jackson, Minnesota is better off trading for Deng or Gibson and keeping their draft picks," the report noted.
Deng, who signed with the Los Angeles Lakers this past summer, would bring a steady veteran presence for the Timberwolves. However, it would be risky for the Timberwolves to acquire an aging veteran who is locked up on a multi-year contract for the next four seasons. Considering Deng long-term is simply not the best move the Timberwolves should make.
Likewise, Gibson could also help in guiding the Timberwolves' core of young talents. Gibson is set to become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2017, making it more feasible for the Timberwolves to work on a deal for the 31-year-old forward. However, with the Timberwolves already loaded at the frontcourt, bringing in Gibson would require the team to unload the likes of Jordan Hill, Adreian Payne and Gorgui Dieng.
It remains to be seen whether the Timberwolves would truly consider making a move, but given another disappointing start to the season, a roster change is worth considering if they want to make it to the playoffs.
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