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Minnesota Timberwolves: A look at a potential Russell Westbrook trade

By Adam Tayabali

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 7: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder looks on during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on April 7, 2019 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 7: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder looks on during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on April 7, 2019 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Photo by Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images
Photo by Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images /

The bad

Although teammates like Paul George and Steven Adams continue to stand by him as a great friend, his play style doesn’t help matters. Westbrook’s poor shooting and erratic decision-making, coupled with head coach Billy Donovan refusing to rein in the 2016-17 MVP, made it tough for certain teammates to flourish alongside him.

Victor Oladipo is the most recent example. In his lone season with the Thunder, Oladipo’s usage was at 21.4 percent, as he averaged 15.9 points and 2.6 assists per game. The next season when he was out of Westbrook’s shadow, he averaged a career-high 23.1 points and 4.3 assists per game with his usage rating hitting 30.1 percent.

Furthermore, Westbrook’s shooting numbers have suffered. He averaged 22.9 points per game on .428/.290/.656 shooting splits last year. His 50.1 true shooting percentage tied for 312th in the NBA. This could be a result of his improved effort on the defensive end and heavy work load, but his shots just are not falling, especially around the mid-range where he used to be consistent.

Trading for Westbrook could also interrupt the culture change occurring in Minnesota. The new front office regime led by president of basketball operations Gersson Rosas has the Timberwolves trending in the right direction. The short-lived Tom Thibodeau era was a negative experience for everyone involved, but Rosas and company have made some exciting new changes.

The new coaching staff with Ryan Saunders as head coach and the young core featuring KAT, Andrew Wiggins, Josh Okogie, Keita Bates-Diop and Jarrett Culver are a few reasons for optimism within the organization. Even though the team struck out with D’Angelo Russell, it was the first time Minnesota was in contention to sign a young, All-star caliber free agent.

Trading for Westbrook would allow the team to contend for the playoffs and win now, but could interrupt everything that’s been going on recently. It will certainly fail if Westbrook becomes discontent with the team’s plans as his salary continues to climb. Jimmy Butler hurt the development of KAT and Wiggins once he wanted out, and Minnesota will do anything to avoid a repeat scenario.

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