MN Timberwolves Swing Trades on Draft Day 2

The Minnesota Timberwolves wound up staying put with their first round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft on Wednesday night, selecting French big man Joan Beringer with the 17th overall pick.

On Thursday, there were LOUD rumblings that president Tim Connelly was open to moving the Wolves’ second round pick, which was the first pick of the new round (31st overall). Not only did Minnesota find a trade partner for their 31st pick, but Connelly had more up his sleeve too.

Phoenix Suns give Minnesota Timberwolves great value for No. 31

Ultimately, the Phoenix Suns came calling with the best deal on the table, trading the Timberwolves No. 36 overall, along with a pair of future second rounders, netting Connelly tremendous value for nothing more than moving back five spots.

The Minnesota Timberwolves are trading the first pick in tonight’s NBA draft — No. 31 — to the Phoenix Suns for No. 36 and two future second-round picks, sources tell ESPN. Suns continue rebuild by moving up to 31 and 41 in draft — send out 36, 52, 59 and two future seconds.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 26, 2025

Related: ESPN Expert Crowns Wolves as 1st Round NBA Draft Winner

With the first pick in the second round, Phoenix took St. Joseph’s forward Rasheer Fleming, who most expected to go somewhere after pick 15 in round one. The trade allowed Minnesota additional ammunition, which Connelly turned around and traded again.

Lakers trade for MN Timberwolves 36th pick

It came down to the wire, with the Minnesota Timberwolves using up all of their time on the clock. But in the end, Connelly opted against picking at 36 as well, instead opting to trade the pick to the Los Angeles Lakers for the 45th pick and some straight cash homie.

The Lakers sent No. 45 and cash to the Timberwolves, sources said. https://t.co/g9zjPtCNSt

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 27, 2025

Los Angeles ended up taking Arkansas forward Adou Thiero at 45. His selection came just after March Madness star Johni Broome from Auburn. At No. 45, Minnesota finally made their second draft pick of the week, selecting Australian big man, Rocco Zikarski.

On its face, moving back 9 spots just for cash considerations seems like an odd move, especially after the Wolves got such great value in their first deal of the night. But when you realize how up against the 2nd apron of the luxury tax Minnesota is… the deal starts to make more sense.