18. Minnesota Timberwolves (25-27)
Since trading Jimmy Butler, the Minnesota Timberwolves have been much better as an overall team. The Wolves are 21-17 since the trade, and have moved up the standings a bit. They are only 2.5 games back of the final playoff spot in the West.
I’m not going to sit here and say that the Wolves are going to make the playoffs, but the way that they’ve played since the trade has to be encouraging. There is still plenty that this team has to work out, but there are some things to build on heading into next season.
As the trade deadline approaches, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Wolves make another move, but it might be better if the team stood pat until the summer.