According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Minnesota Timberwolves are reportedly interested in acquiring a power forward at the NBA trade deadline including Aaron Gordon of the Orlando Magic and John Collins of the Atlanta Hawks.
Collins averages 18 points and 7.6 rebounds for the Hawks this season and brings defensive value to the floor, averaging 1.6 blocks per game for the Hawks during the 2019-20 season.
While Collins would be a solid acquisition for the Timberwolves, there seems to be more progress in their pursuit of Gordon.
Charania reported that the Timberwolves were in discussions with the Magic prior to Gordon suffering a severe left ankle sprain. With the 25-year-old near a return to the court talks could pick up as the trade deadline approaches.
While it would be nice to plug Collins or Gordon next to Karl-Anthony Towns, Charania reported both players have “significant asking prices.”
A piece by ESPN’s NBA insiders gave an example of that price as part of a three-team deal that could see the Timberwolves send Jarrett Culver and Juancho Hernangomez to Orlando and Jake Layman and a 2025 second-round pick to Charlotte in order to acquire Gordon.
The 25-year-old is averaging 13.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 4.2 assists in 19 games this season.
With the Timberwolves holding the worst record in the NBA (7-29) heading into the All-Star break, Gersson Rosas will be working the phones to make a deal prior to the Mar. 25 deadline.
