As the Minnesota Timberwolves try their best to gain some team chemistry, the trade market will become more attractive to them. The entire season has been surrounded by inconsistency.
Anthony Edwards has tried calling out his teammates. He’s also tried giving them his support in private team workouts. Up to this point, nothing has worked.
Coming into this season, expectations were high. Minnesota completed a blockbuster trade that at the time they thought was elevating them to new heights. Instead, they’ve taken a significant number of steps backward. In fact, some NBA experts believe it to be one of the worst trades in history.
The acquisitions of Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo has created some uncertainty within the team’s chemistry. Neither player has been able to consistently find their role with the team. This is why both players have been associated with trade rumors for most of the season.
Instead of moving on from Randle or DiVincenzo, a new projected trade keeps them both. The Wolves would send Rudy Gobert to the Atlanta Hawks for center Clint Capela and forward De’Andre Hunter.
Perhaps, the former Knicks tandem just need more time to mesh with the rest of the team. They’re still two very talented players that they can build around. Another player that has been underperforming is Gobert.
As a four-time Defensive Player of the Year, Gobert hasn’t looked like that player much this season. He is still getting blocks and is currently averaging a double-double (10 points, 10 rebounds), but all his stats are down this season. His $109 million contract becomes more overpriced by the day, so it would be wise to move his contract while he still has some trade value.
Bringing in Capela in return, pretty much gets you a similar big man. Another big that is averaging nearly a double-double and is a couple years younger as well. The addition of Hunter is what makes this deal essential for the Wolves. A high volume scoring forward is exactly what they could use to get Edwards some scoring help.
The Hawks are a team that is also fighting for a playoff spot but are right on the brink. They could use a dominant force on the low block. While Capela is serviceable as their center, the addition of Gobert is more enticing for them.
Of course, Minnesota will have to throw in some more trade assets/capital to make the deal more attractive for Atlanta, but both teams would benefit from this trade.
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