With the Minnesota Timberwolves sitting at 4-10, touting the Western Conference’s second-worst record, there are those around the NBA who expect head coach and president Tom Thibodeau to do something about it.
Here’s Ric Bucher of Bleacher Report (via ProBasketballTalk’s Dan Feldman):
Tom Thibodeau is not exactly a paragon of patience, which is why league sources expect that he is only a few more losses away from dealing one of his young stars for a veteran who can help him win now. His first look will be for a player he already knows and trusts because he’s already had that player in his system. Would the Lakers consider advancing their youth movement and dealing former Bull Luol Deng? Would the Bulls consider parting with Jimmy Butler or Taj Gibson? Where Thibs looks is not certain, nor is who he’d be willing to move. But those in the league who know his hunger to win and win now are convinced he will begin calling around soon, if he hasn’t already
It’s highly probable that Thibodeau is frustrated with the Timberwolves’ slow start. They were expected to contend for a playoff berth with him at the helm, not challenge for one of the West’s worst records. The defense hasn’t been good, and the only thing that’s clearly better for Minnesota than last season is its floor spacing.
But if Thibodeau is going to give up one of the Timberwolves’ youngsters, be it Zach LaVine, Andrew Wiggins or Kris Dunn, he can’t do so in any run-of-the-mill deal. Giving up any one of them for a Luol Deng, even if it’s Dunn or LaVine, qualifies as a gross overpay.
So in the event Thibs does make some of his kiddies available, it better be for a superstar wing. Of course, the problem then becomes the trade market. There are no such players who seem available at the moment. But if the Chicago Bulls ever decide to move Jimmy Butler, or if the Indiana Pacers decide to hit reset and shop Paul George, Thibodeau has the asset firepower to earn the Wolves a spot at the bargaining table.
