Timberwolves: Playing something or nothing with MIN trade rumors
By Ethan Becker
Other teams may be interested in Jaylen Nowell
Another player who joined the Timberwolves in the 2019 draft, although much later as he was selected 43rd overall, Jaylen Nowell had something of a breakout season last year; going from 3.8 points, 1.3 assists, and 0.9 rebounds per game with just an average of 10.1 minutes per game across only 15 games in 2019-2020, to an average of 9.0 points, 2.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 0.5 steals per game in 2020-2021. And, it seems that this increase in production has raised some interest in NBA front offices.
Once again going off a report by Darren Wolfson, there are rumors that some teams have been pitching trade packages to Minnesota surrounding a deal that would see Nowell swapped for a second round pick in this year’s draft. While no team’s were mentioned in the report, some potential teams could include the Boston Celtics–who could be looking to acquire Nowell to round out a backcourt rotation with Marcus Smart and Payton Pritchard–the Magic–searching for a backup to Cole Anthony–or the Thunder, who frankly seem to just love making trades (but who may also be looking for injury insurance against Kemba Walker and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander).
Still, there hasn’t been any word yet on whether or not Minnesota is completely sold on shipping of Nowell. His increase in production could be a stumbling point, and earlier this year, Minnesota sent Nowell and Russell to a first round matchup between the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers in order to see what life was like in a hectic Western Conference. The trip, certainly, also doubled as a way for the presumed starter/backup duo to build some chemistry. At the very least, if Minnesota does send Nowell away, it’s likely they’ll come away with a player who has just as much potential, if not perhaps a little less, paired with a second round pick.