Should the Timberwolves trade for Fred VanVleet?
The Minnesota Timberwolves need to trade for a starting point guard because D’Angelo Russell has been too inconsistent this season. One player they should target is Fred VanVleet, but what would a trade potentially look like?
The Toronto Raptors appear to be heading towards a rebuild, and that likely means VanVleet, Pascal Siakam and Gary Trent Jr. are heading out the door. They’ll get a lot of good assets to turn things around and look to build around Scottie Barnes, who is a nice starting piece (despite some sophomore struggles).
KSTP’s Darren Wolfson went on the Skor North podcast and said there’s been some finger-pointing at DLo. The team recently had a players-only meeting, and Russell was coincidently out with an illness the following game.
The Timberwolves need consistent play from their point guard, and Anthony Edwards needs a co-partner that enables him to run the offense. VanVleet does like to have the ball in his hands, but he isn’t afraid to move the ball and allow his teammates to run the offense.
Usage rates this season:
VanVleet is used to his teammates initiating the offense. He’s played with Siakam, Kyle Lowry and Kawhi Leonard. Despite the same usage rate as DLo, FVV should be a good pairing next to Edwards.
Vanvleet is having a down season, and he’s not a great shooter. Throughout his seven-year career, his best field goal shooting season was in 2017-18, when he shot 42.6 percent.
Last year he shot 37.7 percent from deep on 9.9 attempts. This season he’s shooting 32.7 percent on 8.6 attempts. He’s only 28, so he should bounce back either later this season or next year.
This season he’s averaging 18.1 points, 6.0 assists, 3.8 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game. He also provides excellent defense and is a high-IQ player – two things this team desperately needs.
FVV is a dog and will give 110 percent when he’s on the floor. He’s also the leader this team desperately needs.
He’s on the books for $21 million this year, and a little under $23 million next season (player option). It’s likely he opts in and elects to take his chances in free agency in 2024. The Timberwolves can’t trade FVV for DLo in a one-for-one deal, but who could they potentially move in a trade?
Losing Naz Reid hurts, but he has a good amount of value around the league. He’s played well in extended time and would likely re-sign with the Raptors. Russell is on an expiring contract, which could appeal to a rebuilding team trying to clear its books. The Raptors are good at finding players late in the draft, and there’s a high chance they strike gold with the second-round pick.
We know what FVV brings to the table, but getting Otto Porter Jr. would be a solid get for the Timberwolves. He’s out for another month with a toe injury and has only played in eight games this season, but we’ve seen his value to a contending team.
I don’t see the Wolves competing for a ring, but they are trying to make some noise in the playoffs. Last season for the Golden State Warriors, Porter Jr. averaged 8.2 points, 5.7 rebounds and shot 37.0 percent from 3. He was vital to their success, and if he can stay on the floor, he could provide the same lift for Minnesota.
Who knows if either team would make this trade, but if I’m the Timberwolves, I’m calling the Raptors for VanVleet.
