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NBA Rumors: Timberwolves won’t trade No. 1 pick

By Josh Hill

Mar 7, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Andrew Wiggins (22) looks on during the second half against the Portland Trail Blazers at Target Center. The Timberwolves won 121-113. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 7, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Andrew Wiggins (22) looks on during the second half against the Portland Trail Blazers at Target Center. The Timberwolves won 121-113. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Minnesota Timberwolves won the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft this year, but will they be trading it to acquire top talent to win now?

When the NBA season starts, the Minnesota Timberwolves will have the last three No. 1 picks on their roster — but this is the first time in franchise history that they’ve won the draft lottery. Minnesota winning the No. 1 pick this year is huge for the franchisee, but the question is will they hang onto the pick or move it for assets?

Jahlil Okafor and Karl Anthony-Towns could both benefit from not only playing on a roster with Rookie of the Year Andrew Wiggins but being mentored by Kevin Garnett. That’s the benefit of keeping the pick and it might be why the Wolves hang onto it, despite trade rumors that will kick up regardless.

According to Timberwolves beat writer Andy Greder, Minnesota will not be trading the No. 1 overall pick this summer.

Flip Saunders could land someone great for the franchise by trading the No. 1 pick, but he knows better than anyone in the NBA what happens when you trade a No. 1 pick for another asset. It was Saunders who held out on the Kevin Love trade talks to acquire Andrew Wigging and Anthony Bennett — which technically means the Timberwolves have had three consecutive No. 1 picks.

Bennett was selected No. 1 overall by the Cavaliers in 2013 with Andrew Wiggins being selected No. 1 overall in 2014. Both ended up in Minnesota in exchange for Kevin Love and both are big pieces of the Timberwolves future.

Ditto for whoever is selected with the No. 1 pick this year, as while teams like the 76ers have tanked to get consecutive lottery picks, the basketball gods have blessed the Wolves with three straight No. 1 picks to turn their fortunes around.

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