Can the Minnesota Timberwolves Be Better Than the Oklahoma City Thunder?

It’s possible if the following offseason roster moves are made


The Trade

It’s hard to say that one offseason trade can drastically change the Minnesota Timberwolves’ likelihood of making a push at the playoffs this upcoming year. The Timberwolves are undeveloped, lack senior leadership and are heavily clustered with an abundance of forwards. However, if one trade were to solve of these issues it would likely be a blockbuster trade with the Washington Wizards and the Golden State Warriors.

The T-Wolves pre-trade depth chart:

C - Darko Milicic, Nikola Pekovic, Brad Miller

PF - Kevin Love, Anthony Randolph, Anthony Tolliver

SF - Michael Beasley, Derrick Williams, Martell Webster, Lazar Hayward

SG - Wesley Johnson, Wayne Ellington      

PG - Ricky Rubio, Luke Ridnour

The trade is engineered to improve the Timberwolves at the center and shooting guard positions.

Washington Wizards receive:              

C - Darko Milicic

SF/PF - Derrick Williams                

PF/C - Anthony Randolph          

Second round pick from Minnesota

Second round pick from Golden State

Golden State Warriors receive:

PF/C- Andre Blatche

SF/SG- Wesley Johnson

First round pick from Minnesota

Minnesota Timberwolves receive:

SG/SF- Nick Young

C- Javale McGee

SG/PG- Monta Ellis

This deal would prove to be beneficial for all parties involved.

The Wizards get a defensive stopper in the middle and two promising young players along with some second round picks. The Warriors get much needed size and production from the four/five spot, a guy they can plug directly into the lineup and a first round pick. And the Timberwolves get a dependable 2-guard, a high scoring bench player and an athletic big.


Veterans

This year’s free agency class is littered with wily veterans that can help a young team like Minnesota develop on and off the court. Some veterans that the T-Wolves can acquire include.

PG - Carlos Arroyo, Anthony Carter

SG - Michael Redd

SF - Jason Kapono, Malik Allen

PF - Brian Scalabrine, Brian Cardinal, Reggie Evans

Although all of the aforementioned players would significantly help the youngsters on Minnesota’s roster, the best fits and bargains are definitely Carter, Redd, Kapono and Scalabrine.


The Coach

Of the many coaches that are on the market this year, the best options for the Timberwolves are:

Don Nelson, Rick Adelman, Jeff Van Gundy and Sam Mitchell     

The ideal choice here is Rick Adelman because he has the experience and runs a fast-paced free-flowing offense.


The Timberwolves would greatly benefit from the aforementioned transactions. Further, with these improvements made across the board, the Timberwolves would challenge the Oklahoma City Thunder as the NBA’s best young team; the T-Wolves would have the talent, experience and depth on their roster. This, along with a capable coaching staff, will help them make a push for the playoffs this year and enjoy long-term success as well.

The T-Wolves post-trade and signings depth chart:

C - Javale McGee, Nikola Pekovic, Brad Miller

PF - Kevin Love, Anthony Tolliver, Brian Scalabrine

SF - Michael Beasley, Lazar Hayward, Jason Kapono

SG - Monta Ellis, Nick Young, Michael Redd, Wayne Ellington

PG - Ricky Rubio, Luke Ridnour, Anthony Carter