Rationale for Minnesota Timberwolves

Moving back in the NBA Draft order by a whole nine slots is a tough ask for any team and would need to be genuinely worthwhile before giving it much consideration. However, a weak draft class and a need to get it right makes it an easier option for the Minnesota Timberwolves to consider.

The Timberwolves could still add an intriguing prospect with the No. 10 pick, but is trading for Kelly Oubre Jr. worth moving down that far?

In this scenario, Oubre Jr. would fill the starting power forward role alongside Karl-Anthony Towns, most likely. The unit would be faster and have more dribble penetration capabilities, but would struggle to get the job done defensively and wouldn’t move the ball well.

The Timberwolves would need to be genuinely convinced that Oubre Jr. is the right type of talent they want to commit to for the long-term. He’s going to be playing on an expiring contract and moving back nine spots for him just to walk isn’t necessarily a great strategy.

Using the No. 10 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, the Timberwolves would be able to add an intriguing prospect on a contract much smaller than that required for the player taken No. 1 overall.