The Minnesota Timberwolves are expressing an interest in trading down from the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 draft, or even out of the draft, according to Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer.
Timberwolves GM Gersson Rosas apparently is seeking a “win-now” type of player in exchange for the top pick.
It is believed at least three of the top five teams are more than willing to trade their picks — the Timberwolves, Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers.
Per O’Connor, the Timberwolves have an “accelerated timeline of contention.”
The same holds true of the Warriors, given that star guards Steph Curry and Klay Thompson are due to return from injuries.
Meanwhile, an opposing executive told Amico Hoops in August that the Cavs don’t really want the fifth pick and expects them to be aggressive in shopping it.
“They don’t want that draft pick,” the executive said. “I don’t know that for certainty — but I’ve spoken to enough people over there that I know they don’t really want to bring in another young unknown.
“I strongly believe they will end up trading it.”
Rosas joked about the Timberwolves’ plans during an exclusive interview with the Minneapolis Star Tribune.
‘We’re gonna pick the best player available,” Rosas said, laughing. “I’ll reveal that secret to you here.”
The Timberwolves also own the No. 17 overall pick (via the Brooklyn Nets), as well a second-rounder, No. 33 overall.
“There’s a lot of little things you gotta get right,” Rosas said. “But as you focus on those little things, it’s very encouraging to have the opportunity to have a big thing go right, and that’s the lottery.”
