The Minnesota Timberwolves have been to the Western Conference Finals for two consecutive years now, but have been unable to get over the hump and crack the NBA Finals.
Led by superstar Anthony Edwards, the Timberwolves have steadily improved each year since selecting him first overall in the 2020 NBA draft.
But have they hit a wall with how the team is currently constructed?
Take center Rudy Gobert, for example; he’s an elite defensive presence in the paint, but does he get you any closer to an NBA championship?
His days with the Utah Jazz came to an abrupt close because of their inability to advance past the second round of the playoffs.
Could Minnesota be seeing the same limitations, just one playoff round further?
Timberwolves Trade Proposal Swaps Rudy Gobert for Mavericks’ Anthony Davis
In a trade idea first proposed by The Wrightway Sports Network, the Minnesota Timberwolves would trade Gobert to the Dallas Mavericks for Anthony Davis.
Minnesota Timberwolves receive: Anthony Davis
Dallas Mavericks receive: Rudy Gobert, Donte DiVincenzo, Mike Conley
While the T-Wolves part ways with some key depth, they land a two-way center in Davis, who provides more offensively than Gobert and similar defensive production.
“Even with a slightly lower shooting percentage early on, his influence on both ends of the floor remains undeniable. Last season, he earned his 10th All-Star selection, proving he can still anchor a contender when healthy,” wrote TWSN’s Arkay.
“Pairing Davis with Anthony Edwards instantly raises Minnesota’s ceiling. Edwards handles shot creation, explosive scoring, and late-game leadership, while Davis adds defensive versatility, rim protection, and reliable scoring inside.”
In this hypothetical trade, Minnesota would need a young guard to step up in the absence of Donte DiVincenzo and Mike Conley, such as Bones Hyland or Rob Dillingham.
Without a true point guard on the roster, Edwards could be forced into more playmaking opportunities, which could help take his game to another level.
Davis also teams back up with his former New Orleans Pelicans teammate, Julius Randle, a pairing that worked well on the court in 2018-19.
Regardless, the trio of Edwards, Davis, and Randle is a frightening prospect and would certainly wreak havoc across the Western Conference.
Would the Mavericks Make the Deal?
For the Dallas Mavericks, it would certainly be an interesting choice to trade the player they cited as the reason for dumping Luka Doncic.
But in a vacuum, the proposal makes sense for how Dallas is currently constructed.
They have a surplus of big men with Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II, and a distinct lack of guards on the roster.
Acquiring Conley gives them a legitimate floor general that allows Cooper Flagg to play his natural forward position, and DiVincenzo is a better floor spacer and three-point shooter than D’Angelo Russell.
“The trade adds defensive structure and lineup flexibility. The Mavericks remain competitive, but losing Davis narrows their path to contention in the immediate future,” continued Arkay.
“To stay among the West’s elite, they would need another move or a major leap from someone already on the roster.’
The Mavericks don’t need to concern themselves with staying in the West’s elite, though.
Their focus should be on developing their No. 1 overall pick, Flagg, and this trade does just that by providing a guiding light on offense, and not forcing the former Duke standout to play point guard when he doesn’t need to.
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