Why The Minnesota Timberwolves Do The Deal?

Perhaps they won’t. If the Wolves make a deep playoff run this year, they’ll likely keep their core together. Otherwise, this roster is about to get prohibitively expensive.

After all, Anthony Edwards’ extension is about to kick in. Rudy Gobert is locked up on a long-term max. Some rumors have suggested that Minnesota could look to move Towns simply to clear up their cap sheet.

This deal accomplishes that goal. Ball is on an expiring deal. Meanwhile, if he returns to form, he’d be an extremely useful player on this team. The Timberwolves could likely look to flip Vucevic for more value at the deadline. Most importantly, the Wolves are landing two first-round picks.

Why The Chicago Bulls Do The Deal?

This may not be the most prudent decision for the Bulls. The smartest course of action is likely to rebuild. We’ve been over this: management does not appear to be open to that possibility.

At the same time, standing pat shouldn’t be an attractive option either. The Bulls look stuck. If they’re not going to rebuild, they should make a win-now trade for a star. Why not Towns? He’s improved as a defender, and the presence of Alex Caruso will make his life easier. He also remains one of the best offensive big men in basketball. Who knows? The Bulls may be glad they didn’t rebuild after making this deal.