I was out to eat at 8:00 PM last night when my Twitter feed started exploding. It hasn't stopped.
As you know, there have been many trade rumors surrounding the Timberwolves as the NBA trade deadline approaches (Thursday). However, it was the Twins who made the first big splash last night.
It started with the news that the Boston Red Sox were trading Mookie Betts, perhaps a top-5 player in the league, and pitcher David Price to the Dodgers. This was bonkers enough before it came out that the Twins were involved as a third team. After the dust settled, the Twins had finally traded a prospect for a solid starting pitcher. While I am sad to see the flame throwing prospect Brusdar Graterol go (to Boston), I did have durability concerns about him and he likely would only be a reliever. In former Dodger starter Kenta Maeda, the Twins get a very solid proven #3 pitcher on a terrific contract (4 years, $3 million per).
Next, it was the Timberwolves' turn. And their trade was even crazier than the Twins' three-team swap. The Wolves are very clearly trying to pry guard (and friend of KAT) D'angelo Russell from Golden State. While that hasn't happened (yet at least), the Wolves were involved in a FOUR-team, TWELVE-player trade to try and get more assets they can use to get Russell. Here's the details:
Wolves get: Malik Beasley, Jarred Vanderbilt & Juancho Hernangomez (from DEN), Evan Turner (from ATL), and a Nets draft pick that belonged to Atlanta.
Wolves give: Noah Vonleh, Shabazz Napier, & Keita Bates-Diop (to DEN), and Robert Covington & Jordan Bell (to HOU).
Rumors have it that the Wolves and Warriors are still negotiating. Andrew Wiggins is even rumored to be part of any potential Russell trade. What a day.
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