After doing literally nothing since NBA free agency opened, the Timberwolves moved the needle a little bit on Tuesday by trading for All-NBA-caliber defensive guard Patrick Beverley.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Timberwolves are sending 2019 first-round pick (No. 6 overall) Jarrett Culver and forward Juancho Hernangomez to the Grizzlies for Beverly.
Minnesota gets the toughness and leadership of Beverley for its young, developing roster. Gersson Rosas had Beverley on his team with Rockets and knows what he brings. Memphis continues to add talent along the margins, including Culver, who's only 22 and a former No. 6 pick.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 17, 2021
Beverley, 33, shot just shy of 40% from three last season, but he’s unlikely to provide much offense for Minnesota. Instead, he’s a bulldog on the defensive end and should prove to be a very valuable piece on a team that has struggled defensively for ages.
He’s a three-time All-Defensive team selection, twice being voted onto the second team and once being elected to the first team (2016-17).
Culver battled injuries last season – he played in 34 games, starting seven – but is still only 22 years old and could have a bright future. Hernangomez was more durable but only averaged 7.2 points in just over 17 minutes per game last season.
Wolves insider Dane Moore says Minnesota was hoping to find a way to trade with Boston for point guard Marcus Smart, but the Celtics signing Smart to an extension this week turned Rosas’ attention to Beverley.
The Timberwolves had been hoping a Marcus Smart extension would not happen in Boston, sources say, so as to be able to trade for Smart.
With Smart off the board, the Wolves turned to Patrick Beverley. At the end of the day, a player to help set a culture was a priority.
— Dane Moore (@DaneMooreNBA) August 17, 2021
