Timberwolves head coach Tom Thibodeau and general manager Scott Layden predicted NBA Draft day to be wild, and right they were.
- NBA Draft: 6:30 p.m. central time
- TV: ESPN (coverage begins at 6 p.m.)
- Round 1: Wolves pick 5th
- Round 2: Wolves don’t have a pick
Keep checking back for the latest rumors all day long. Here’s what’s swirling about the Timberwolves right now.
The latest
Yahoo’s Adrian Wojnarowski says Philadelphia and Chicago is very engaged on acquiring the Wolves fifth overall pick.
Philadelphia is seriously engaged on a trade for the fifth pick, league sources say.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 23, 2016
Both Chicago and Philadelphia are furiously trying to acquire the fifth overall pick from Minnesota, according to league sources
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 23, 2016
Ian Begley of ESPN reported that the Wolves offered Zach Lavine and fifth overall pick for Jimmy Butler.
Heard one deal that was offered to Chicago for Jimmy Butler included Minnesota's No. 5 pick and Zach LaVine.
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) June 23, 2016
Wojnarowski also reporting that if Kris Dunn is off the board when the Wolves pick fifth, then Buddy Hield is the next man up on Wolves’ draft board.
If Kris Dunn's gone at No. 5, Minnesota's Tom Thibodeau has Oklahoma's Buddy Hield next up on Wolves' board, sources tell @TheVertical.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 23, 2016
It doesn’t sound like the Wolves are sold on Jamal Murray. Darren Wolfson of 1500-ESPN reports that, “Murray camp has no feel right now that he’s going the Twolves.”
Wojnarowski also reported that Boston is in “significant engagement” with the Wolves, Celtics and Kings.
The Philadelphia 76ers are talking to Boston about acquiring the third overall pick. Philly is willing to offer Nerlens Noel, according to Marc Stein. Stein also notes that if a trade is made, the 76ers would take Dunn, Hield or Murray.
Wojnarowski said Boston is now tightly linked to Providence guard Kris Dunn.
The 76ers are also interested in Wolves point guard Ricky Rubio, according to RealGM.
The window to trade picks has passed which means a team must draft a player, then trade his rights
ESPN’s Chad Ford has a new mock draft where he says the Wolves have “struck out” on finding a trade for a veteran starter. With that, he thinks Minnesota prefers point guard Kris Dunn, and if he’s unavailable the front office is split on shooting guards Jamal Murray and Buddy Hield.
Kris Dunn has significant traction in Boston as No. 3 pick, sources tell @TheVertical. No final decision — and trades remain on table.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 23, 2016
Sean Deveney at Sporting News reports the Wolves are interested in trading for Nuggets power forward Kenneth Faried.
The Faried-Wolves report is interesting. He's not a defensive stopper or a shooter. But energy and effort is definitely up Thibs alley
— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) June 22, 2016
Sports Illustrated did a needs assessment and determined it’s “likely” the Wolves (if they keep the pick) will take Kris Dunn, Jamal Murray or Buddy Hield.
CSN Chicago says Jimmy Butler will likely stay with the Bulls despite any ongoing trade rumors involving the Wolves and Celtics.
Reports say the Wolves have hired former Raptors assistant Andy Greer. Greer is considered a defensive-minded coach, which pairs well with Thibodeau. What impact Greer will have on the draft, if any, is unknown.
Raptors went from 23 to 11 in defense efficiency w/ Greer leading. Can't stress enough: Casey tried to keep badly, thought he had. #twolves
— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) June 23, 2016
Marcus Fuller of the Pioneer Press has the Wolves taking Jamal Murray out of Kentucky.
Scott Howard-Cooper’s final mock draft at NBA.com has the Wolves taking Hield.
Two days ago Jon Krawczynski of the Associated Press tweeted that Thibodeau would prefer to trade the pick for a veteran starter. “Easier said than done,” Krawczynski added.
