The Minnesota Timberwolves are looking to build on their success from last season after having advanced to the conference finals for the second consecutive year.
Despite a strong showing in the postseason, the team fell short of its lofty goal of reaching the NBA Finals after being eliminated by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Bailey Bassett of ClutchPoints suggested a trade that would give the Timberwolves the much-needed offensive power they need by sending Rudy Gobert to the Los Angeles Lakers for Austin Reaves.
Lakers receive Rudy Gobert, Josh Minott
Timberwolves receive Austin Reaves, Gabe Vincent, Maxi Kleber
The Timberwolves addressed some of their offensive limitations by acquiring Austin Reaves, who is coming off a breakout year. The 25-year-old averaged 20.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists last season and emerged as a versatile shot creator, along with an efficient scorer.
He has a chance to emerge as a legitimate superstar next to Edwards, giving the Timberwolves a dynamic scoring tandem.
The Timberwolves also add depth by acquiring two reliable role players in Gabe Vincent and Maxi Kleber, both of whom are capable of producing on both ends of the court.
The trade would also allow Naz Reid to start, providing Minnesota with the much-needed offensive flexibility.
The Lakers sure up their frontcourt by acquiring a former Defensive Player of the Year in Rudy Gobert to pair with Luka Doncic and LeBron James. Although Gobert has regressed since arriving in Minnesota a few years ago, he still brings elite perimeter defense and rebounding, which are much-needed assets on the Lakers’ roster.
The trade for Luka Doncic left the Lakers thin at center, forcing them to play Jaxon Hayes in heavy minutes at center, especially since Anthony Davis was moved in the deal.
The Lakers attempted to address the issue by trading Dalton Knecht to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for Mark Williams. However, the trade was ultimately rescinded.
