Grade The Trade: Damian Lillard teams up with Anthony Edwards, Wolves

The Minnesota Timberwolves’ perspective of this trade

For the Minnesota Timberwolves, I don’t think there should be much thought about the possibility of pulling off this deal. The idea of Damian Lillard joining the Wolves to create arguably the best backcourt in the NBA alongside Anthony Edwards may be too good to be true. Add in one of the best defensive centers in the game, and the Wolves would quickly become one of the more intriguing teams in the Western Conference.

Lillard would make the Wolves a contender. Even though Leonard Miller showed some positive signs in the NBA Summer League, the Wolves would have to be willing to part ways with him and KAT to make the jump to contention. After all, wasn’t that what the move for Rudy Gobert was all about last offseason?

Through backchanneling, I’d have to imagine that the Wolves would want to clear up that Lillard would be willing to play for the Wolves. Selling Lillard on playing with Edwards and Gobert would be key to getting the best possible version of him. If the Wolves aren’t confident that Lillard would give max effort and be completely bought into this team, I have a hard time envisioning Minnesota going all-in with this type of offer.

The last thing the Wolves need is another possible disgruntled star on its roster.