The Minnesota Timberwolves appear to be willing to part with another key player in the trade that sent Kevin Love to Cleveland.
ESPN’s Marc Stein reports the Wolves are willing to deal former top pick Anthony Bennett ahead of this week’s NBA Draft.
ESPN sources say that, in advance of Thursday's draft, Minnesota has made former No. 1 overall pick Anthony Bennett available via trade
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 22, 2015
The move wouldn’t be a surprise, especially since it looks more likely that Minnesota will draft Kentucky power forward Karl-Anthony Towns with their top pick this year.
Pro Basketball Talk notes that if the Wolves select Towns it would give them 3 young guys and veteran Kevin Garnett at the power forward position, meaning Bennett could be the odd man out.
Bennett dealt with injuries through much of last season, but despite being the top pick in the draft just two years ago, the Star Tribune’s Michael Rand notes it’s hard to know what Minnesota could get for him.
One reason is Bennett’s contract. Despite two disappointing seasons in the NBA, Bennett’s salary is that of a No. 1 pick – meaning he has a $7.3 million team option for 2016-17, which has to be exercised before the end of October.
It’s believed Wolves president and coach Flip Saunders is looking to get back into the first round.
Bennett also could be added to a deal that includes picks No. 31 and 36 if there is someone the Wolves really want to trade back into the first round for.
