Would the Minnesota Timberwolves be willing to move Jaden McDaniels?
The Minnesota Timberwolves could be in store for some changes in the offseason as they look to keep pace the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs.
The Timberwolves have been consistently in the mix in the Western Conference, making the Conference Finals in two of the last three seasons, and going six games with the Spurs in the second round this past season.
Though they have been close to getting over the hump, they are still searching for that missing piece to get them to their first NBA Finals appearance in franchise history.
Anthony Edwards is already a superstar in the league and a clear franchise player. Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle are the next highest paid players, but are flawed in certain areas.
Jaden McDaniels is a bright talent who has shown improvement over the years, and seems to be a key piece for the future. But could he be on the move?
Moving McDaniels?
Bleacher Report published an article listing the top potential trade candidates that no one is talking about.
On the list is McDaniels, with the reason being his overall value in a potential trade for another superstar player.
It is true that McDaniels is the most valuable trade piece the Timberwolves have short of Edwards, but would trading him be worth the risk for Minnesota? They'd still have to give up Randle and/or Gobert in a hypothetical deal for Giannis Antetokounmpo just to make the money work.
The Timberwolves already lack depth as a team, which is hurt even further by the injury to Donte DiVincenzo, so giving up two starters, even if it is to acquire Giannis, might be rich for Minnesota, and it still might not even be enough.
Keeping McDaniels?
All signs point to the Timberwolves keeping McDaniels and letting the 25-year-old continue to develop. He's already shown All-Defense talent who can guard multiple positions. He took steps on the offensive side of the ball this past season, averaging 14.2 points and shooting 41% from three.
He still has room to grow as a playmaker, but did increase his assist total to 2.7 per game this past season. He also has room to grow as a self-creator, but again showed signs of improvement over the season.
The injury to DiVincenzo could be a blessing for McDaniels as it will give him more opportunities to handle the ball, and create for himself and others, a role DiVincenzo occupied in the starting lineup.
Unless Minnesota can land Giannis, there is no reason to include McDaniels in any trade talks.
