Minnesota Timberwolves

While they currently hold the worst record in the league, the Minnesota Timberwolves are a team that has reportedly been looking to make a big move. Two big name trade targets the T-Wolves have reportedly had their eyes on this season are Aaron Gordon of the Orlando Magic and John Collins of the Atlanta Hawks. 

Shams Charania of The Athletic reported earlier this month that the Timberwolves and the Magic held “substantive conversations” about Gordon before he injured his ankle in January. With Gordon back now, the Timberwolves could look to make another push for the 25-year old forward. 

Now in his 7th season with the Magic, Aaron Gordon has averaged 13.6 points, 7.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists this season, but his overall production with Orlando has seemed to decline over the last few seasons. He averaged a career-high 17.6 points during the 2017-18 season, but ever since then, Gordon has seen his production decline over the years and with the Magic struggling this year, now could be the time they look to move the former 4th overall pick. 

John Collins on the other hand may be the player the Timberwolves are focused on heading into the NBA trade deadline, as NBA writer Jackie MacMullan said on The Bill Simmons Podcast that the Timberwolves are “dying” to trade for the 23-year-old forward. 

After having a career-year in his third season with the Hawks last season, Collins has continued to be one of the best players for Atlanta and is a big reason why they are currently in the playoff hunt in the Eastern Conference. However, Collins and the Hawks failed to reach an agreement on a contract-extension during the offseason and were not close to reaching agreement on said deal. 

RELATED: NBA Trade Rumors: Scout explains potential fit for John Collins with Timberwolves

With him set to become a restricted free agent next offseason, the Hawks still do hold leverage over the young forward when it comes to contract negotiations, but there is still risk that they could lose him in free agency and wind up with nothing. 

The Minnesota Timberwolves have a lot of talent on their roster in D’Angelo Russell, Karl-Anthony Towns, Malik Beasley and #1 overall pick Anthony Edwards, but this team is still lacking firepower in the frontcourt, which is why Aaron Gordon and John Collins are two of their top targets heading into the NBA trade deadline.