The Minnesota Timberwolves appear to have arrived, as they sit at fourth in the Western Conference. But as the trade deadline edges closer, there has been some talk that the Timberwolves could make a move.
With rumors swirling around virtually every team, trade proposals are bound to get released in some fashion all over the place. But one league executive clarified the exact position of the Timberwolves and what players they may be willing to part with, including Gorgui Dieng and Shabazz Muhammad, per Darren Wolfson of 5 Eyewitness News.
Text from an Eastern Conference GM: "Annual reminder: Lots of lies going down right now." Also said Dieng is the guy they'd move, but nobody will take his contract. Outside of maybe Shabazz, not sure I see the #Twolves doing anything trade-wise. #AllEyesNorth
— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) February 7, 2018
This news is two-fold. First, Dieng’s contract. It’s massive. He’s owed over $45 million over the next three years after this season, is already making $14.1 million this year alone.
Dieng only averages 6.6 points and 4.5 rebounds per games and only plays about 18 minutes in every game. It’s safe to say he’s not producing like a fifth-year player should produce.
But that contract is terrible, and no team would want to jeopardize their financial flexibility moving forward. This probably won’t happen.
On the Muhammad front, he’s only making about $1.6 million this year, and has a player option for next season. So essentially, he is on an expiring contract. So if the Timberwolves decide to move him, they can, depending on which team feels high on Muhammad.
But in reality, the Timberwolves are in good shape as presently constructed. They’re one of the few teams that is desperate to make a move. The Timberwolves have had a solid season and are in the playoff mix.
Unless there’s a deal out there that lands them a star and could impact this season, Minnesota should stand pat.
