Should the Minnesota Timberwolves trade some of their centers?
The Minnesota Timberwolves have an abundance of centers on their roster, and with the NBA Trade Deadline rapidly approaching (Feb. 9), it might be time to consider moving one of them for a team need.
Last season the Timberwolves needed help in the front court, but this year they have too many good players and not enough minutes to give. Karl-Anthony Towns has missed a lot of time this season due to a calf strain, but he should be back sooner rather than later.
Chris Finch addressed the media and said there’s no timetable for his return, but KAT went on a live stream and said it was never a Grade 2 calf strain; instead it was a Grade 3. That likely means he’ll miss another month or so and could target a return after the All-Star Break.
Once KAT comes back, Naz Reid’s minutes will take a slight hit, and Luka Garza/Nathan Knight could be completely removed from the rotation – both Garza and Knight are already on the fringes of the rotation.
Reid is set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason, and he will get a nice payday. It’s hard to see the Timberwolves paying him what he wants, given they’ve already invested $90 million a year between Rudy Gobert and KAT.
Plus, will Reid want to play in a limited role? Probably not, but money talks.
Reid has the most trade value between him, Garza and Knight. Would it be worth moving Reid at the NBA Trade Deadline? If they believe they’re not bringing him back next season, then they should look to trade him, regardless of Town’s injury situation.
They could use another guard or a forward that specializes in 3-point shooting. The only issue is moving Reid’s contract because he makes a little under $2 million. He could be involved as a sweetener in a deal that includes D’Angelo Russell as well.
They could also keep Reid if they believe they have a chance at bringing him back next season. If that’s the case, then trading Knight might be in their best interest. He is under contract next season for $1.9 million (club option), but he’s shown flashes that may entice other teams.
He’s undersized and gets the least amount of minutes between the three guys. Moving Knight could help open the door for the Timberwolves to convert Garza’s contract into a guaranteed deal and not a two-way contract.
You have to ask yourself, who would you rather have on your team in two to three years between Garza and Knight? Probably Garza. That’s because he’s shown flashes of not being a negative on defense, and he’s so skilled offensively. He also gets the crowd going, which helps in a market where the fanbase isn’t always engaged.
The Timberwolves should move one of Reid or Knight at the trade deadline because they have too much depth. This allows the front office to upgrade at a different position, like a backup point guard or a player who can shoot 3s. Minnesota has gone almost the entire season without a backup PG, and it might be time to capitalize on that.