Timberwolves One of Four Teams in on Trading for All-Star DeAndre Jordan

By Johnny Minnesota |

Dec 1, 2017

The Minnesota Timberwolves are one of the four teams showing serious interest in trading for DeAndre Jordan. According to Gery Woelfel, the Bucks, Raptors, and Wizards are also making their own push to acquire the Clippers’ Center. The near 7-footer is eligible to hit free agency next summer. Rather than just let him walk, Los Angeles is hoping to get rid of him in exchange for young talent.

Bucks, Raptors, Timberwolves, and Wizards.

Where do you see DeAndre Jordan landing if traded ? pic.twitter.com/QzQGZbHwiC

— theScore (@theScore) December 2, 2017

As of Friday evening, there wasn’t any information available as to what Minnesota is willing to offer in exchange for Jordan. The same goes for Toronto and Washington. However, there are indications as to what it might take from the Milwaukee Bucks. If this really is the asking price, it’d be interesting to see what the Wolves would have to give up to beat that.

The Clippers allegedly want two of the following three players:

- Malcolm Brogdon, Kris Middleton, and John Henson

The Steve Ballmer owned franchise may even demand all three. That is an aggressive business man at his finest. Glengarry Glen Ross type shit. No chance the Bucks would give up that trifecta.

Brogdon is the reigning Rookie of the Year. Middleton scored 43 in a game earlier in 2017. John Henson was made to play basketball with his lengthy stature. Those guys can play. Our neighbors to the East have a plethora of young talent.

Let’s hope that they ultimately decide to pass on this opportunity and keep that young nucleus in place.

Giannis swats John Wall’s dunk attempt! pic.twitter.com/mwq6KdQjfH

— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) November 21, 2017

Can you even imagine DeAndre Jordan and KAT in the same front-court? Towns’ weaknesses are Jordan’s strengths and vice-versa. The biggest complaint surrounding Thibodeau’s team thus far has been defense. Acquiring Jordan would immediately make an impact on that side of the floor. There is a reason his peers chose him as the NBA’s best defender in 2015.

DeAndre Jordan NASTY Block!! #NBA #ItTakesEverything pic.twitter.com/Gy722Zh0fA

— All Sport News (@All_SportNews) December 19, 2016

As mentioned at the beginning, the Clippers want young talent. Outside of KAT and Wiggins, Minnesota traded most of that away last summer. The Jimmy Butler deal saw both Zach Levine and Kris Dunn depart to Chicago. Our big three needs to stay off-limits here. On top of staying off-limits, I’d prefer their names don’t even get mentioned.

Assuming the above, what could we offer?

Teague, Crawford and Gibson are almost certainly to old to interest GM and Coach Doc Rivers.

Gorgui Dieng would almost have to be involved in the deal. This is due to the cap hit that would come with acquiring the defensive juggernaut. His 14 million dollar plus cap hit would help balance out the salaries being exchanged.

Next up is Tyus Jones. The fast improving PG from Apple Valley could easily be on their radar. Or, do they go the opposite route and ship out Teague, moving Tyus to start at PG. That leaves a HUGE lack of depth at the PG position. Nemanja Bjelica has been shooting lights out all year. Although he, like Teague, is almost 30 years old. 2017 first round pick Justin Patton is currently out with a foot injury. Regardless of that, the Creighton product was a mid-first round selection for a reason.

MINNESOTA! #TIMBERWOLVES Justin Patton is signing autographs SEPT10! Come meet the 1st Rd. Pick in this yrs draft! https://t.co/exdBMxnGMQ pic.twitter.com/3gc4gJZ3KB

— Athlete Appearances (@cravetheauto) September 1, 2017

Outside of those guys, draft picks are really the only other thing that presents much value. Which we shouldn’t be opposed to offering. If there’s a way to keep Wiggins, Butler, and Towns, while acquiring Jordan, you have to do it. No questions asked.

Ownership and fans may be concerned that he’d be one and done. Hit us and quit us. Jordan could sign with another team as early as next summer. I get that concern. With Towns next up to get paid, it’s interesting to think about.

If you can put these four guys together in a starting lineup, you forego the concern. Send it. High risk, high reward. Let’s dance!

Johnny Minnesota @mnsportsnstuff
Minnesota Sports Fan MinnesotaSportsFan.com

Photos: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports