Minnesota Timberwolves Could Trade For Lonzo Ball And Create A Powerful Backcourt Duo

In the aftermath of a run to the Western Conference Finals, the Minnesota Timberwolves are more committed now than ever before to building a proper championship team around Anthony Edwards, but the task will not be easy as we approach a pivotal summer. With Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle, the Wolves are close to having what they need, but there's still one last position they need to upgrade: point guard.

After trading D'Angelo Russell, the Wolves have been leaning on Mike Conley to step in as the starting point guard, but he turns 38 in October, and the Timberwolves need someone fresh to take over the position. With limited trade assets, the Wolves cannot get too ambitious with their offseason plans, but adding Lonzo Ball to the fold might just be the final piece they need to elevate to contender status in the West. A package would have to include either a young, contributing role player or a future draft pick for the Bulls to accept.

Proposed Trade Package

Timberwolves Receive: Lonzo Ball, 2029 Second-Round pick

Chicago Bulls Receive: Jaden McDaniels

In his prime, Lonzo would have gone for a first-round pick at the least, but years of injury struggles have tanked his value, and the Bulls may have to offer a sweetener (Second-Round pick) to get the Timberwolves to take the risk and give up Jaden McDaniels, a major rotation player who averaged 12.2 points per game for the Wolves this season.

Still, the Bulls need a reset, and they know that Lonzo is not the answer. By taking on McDaniels, they can add another versatile young athlete on the wing and continue to remake and rebuild the roster as they search for their next star. Without giving up any major assets in the trade, it's a safe way for them to make some necessary changes without severely compromising their cap flexibility.

While Minnesota would surely miss McDaniels, Lonzo would fill a greater need as a capable two-way guard next to Anthony Edwards. With averages of 7.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game last season, 'Zo is still working his way back into rhythm after a long hiatus, but there's reason to believe he could thrive in a new situation.

His elite perimeter defense will make a great fit for Minnesota's defensive-minded roster, and his ability to shoot from distance (38.9% from three for his career) will provide a boost on the other end of the floor as well. 

This summer, with many big names at play (like Kevin Durant), it's impossible to say what the Timberwolves have planned, but it's hard to see them getting much better unless they add some alternative options at the point guard position.

Lonzo Ball is far from their only choice, but he's a relatively cheap and affordable option that might help them get closer to their goal of winning a championship. Together, Lonzo, Edwards, Randle, and Rudy Gobert would make one of the strongest lineups in the NBA and one of the favorites to come out of the West next season.