5 trades the Minnesota Timberwolves should explore
By Connor Learn
1. Tyus Jones to the Philadelphia 76ers for Robert Covington
Why this makes sense for the Timberwolves
An Apple Valley, Minnesota native, Tyus Jones spurned hometown offers and went to Duke University. During his lone season at Duke, he was the Final Four Most Outstanding Player and a national champion. The Timberwolves selected him in the first round with hopes that he could compliment Ricky Rubio. Still very young last year, he never got the chance to do so.
The Timberwolves brought Tyus Jones back as their third point guard this year behind Ricky Rubio and rookie Kris Dunn. The Timberwolves currently have a lot of resources pooled into the point guard position and could benefit from swapping out one of them for help elsewhere. Robert Covington is a 25-year old, 6-foot-9 wing who could help the Timberwolves out. He is the type of 3-and-D role-player that is valued so highly today. He would fit well alongside their young talent and make them better immediately.
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Why this makes sense for the 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers are currently employing 30-year old Sergio Rodriguez and glorified shooting guard Jerryd Bayless at point guard. Gritty T.J. McConnell has found less playing time as the Sixers play more competitive ball but their point guard position still isn’t great. Their long term plan is to allow Ben Simmons to be their primary ball distributer; similar to how the Bucks have had success with Giannis Antetekoumpo. Knowing that, it makes sense that they don’t invest highly into the position. But that doesn’t mean they should punt on the point guard position. They should invest into the position and find someone worth keeping.
Ideally, their point guard can be a good shooter off the ball and also succeed as a secondary playmaker. Tyus Jones has shot 42 percent from 3 this year and would fit nicely in the 76ers young core. Robert Covington has capped out as a role player in the NBA. The 76ers have a lot of options on the wing and not enough ball handlers. It makes sense to flip him for a player who could become a starter. Tyus Jones earned Summer League MVP honors and nearly led the Timberwolves to the championship when given an opportunity. When given the chance to play, he has looked like a player ready for real minutes. All Jones is seeking is an opportunity to do play and the 76ers should give him that chance.