NBA trade rumors: Timberwolves ‘determined’ to move Shabazz Muhammad

Ricky Rubio is not the only Minnesota Timberwolves player on the trading block. Small forward Shabazz Muhammad is another asset the Wolves are willing to part ways with, according to TNT’s David Aldridge.

On Thursday morning, the Timberwolves are actively searching for a franchise to send Shabazz Muhammad to in return for a pick. According to Aldridge, he is unsure if Muhammad would be a part of the Ricky Rubio-Derrick Rose deal between Minnesota and the New York Knicks.

Furthermore, one team has set its sights on the four-year pro out of UCLA. the Washington Wizards missed out on Lou Williams. As of now, Washington may target Muhammad. According ESPN’s Marc Stein, the Wiz are looking to add depth to their bench. Washington is looking to make a deep run into the playoffs. It boasts the league’s best record in the Eastern Conference since Dec. 1.

Muhammad is shooting 41.4 percent from beyond the arc. However, just 1.9 of his shots a game come from three-point range. Muhammad’s physical offensive presence is a plus. On the down side, his defensive skills lack. ESPN’s real plus-minus ranks him as the 75th among small forwards in terms of defensive efficiency.

Throughout his career, Muhammad averaged 9.6 points per game and 3 boards per contest. He is on his last year of his rookie contract and is expected to become a free agent following this season. A Muhammad-Burke deal would be ideal salary wise, but Minnesota is searching for a draft pick in return.

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This season, Muhammad is averaging 9.4 points and 20 minutes per game. After a slow start in November and December, Muhammad has scored 11.5 points and shooting 51.8 percent. In nine February games, he is netting 12.8 points per game.

All in all, the Wizards trying to conquer one of the Eastern Conference’s top playoff seeds, Muhammad’s offensive improvements could add a splash in the second half of the NBA season.