The Minnesota Timberwolves are bound to make some roster changes this summer. Without a doubt, the Wolves specifically need some extra ball-handling and perimeter creation around Anthony Edwards. The latest name they've been linked to? Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey.
"According to Darren Wolfson, Minnesota recently expressed interest in Josh Giddey, which was confirmed by HoopsHype," Michael Scotto recently reported.
Giddey's fit with the Wolves is intriguing. Having averaged 9.1 assists this past season, Giddey is one of the better playmakers in the league and at 6-foot-7, he has elite positional size. He can also offer some quality shot-creation chops and at 23, he is a clear long-term fit with the team.
However, it's hard to pinpoint a move that would make sense for both parties. Giddey isn't a future superstar by any means, but for a young Bulls team, he's one of their few clear building blocks.
It's hard to find a realistic Josh Giddey-Timberwolves trade
Would it really make sense for them to trade him, presumably for an aging player like Julius Randle or Rudy Gobert? I don't think so.
While Scotto also mentioned that the Phoenix Suns have looked into Giddey, he didn't note that the Bulls have interest in trading him. My guess is that while Giddey isn't totally untouchable, it would take a better package than what the Wolves have to offer to pry him away from Chicago.
Scotto noted that Minnesota has gauged the trade value of Randle, Donte DiVincenzo and the No. 28 pick. This might not totally be a lopsided package for Giddey.
Again, though, context matters. Why exactly would the Bulls want Randle? He doesn't make sense around Matas Buzelis and the likely No. 4 pick, Caleb Wilson.
I suppose there's a possible three-team trade here. The question is, though: can the Wolves find a team interested in this package that would give Chicago a fair return? At the very least, this will be tricky.
Could the Bulls be interested in Rudy Gobert? They could certainly use a long-term solution at the center position. But again, I don't see the value in trading one of their few young pieces for a soon-to-be 34-year-old center.
When considering all of this, I don't see how a Giddey-Timberwolves trade could be practical, as enticing as it sounds.
Rumor season is in full swing and there will be numerous exciting names that continue to be linked to the Wolves, but the reality is that most rumors don't go anywhere.
One way or another, though, it does feel likely that the Wolves will upgrade their backcourt this summer. The Wolves might not be able to land a better playmaker than Giddey, but they could land a much better shooter and defender.
