NBA Trade Deadline 2019: One trade every team should make

ORLANDO, FL - NOVEMBER 17: Center Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic drives to the basket against Center JaVale McGee #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the game at the Amway Center on November 17, 2018 in Orlando, Florida. The Magic defeated the Lakers 130 to 117. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /

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CLEVELAND, CA – JUN 8: JR Smith #5 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots the ball against the Golden State Warriors in Game Four of the 2018 NBA Finals won 108-85 by the Golden State Warriors over the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Quicken Loans Arena on June 6, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images) /

For the Timberwolves, who rank in the middle of the pack in terms of points per game, they could be looking to add more scoring at the trade deadline as they try to make a push to return to the playoffs. While they value Taj Gibson’s defense in the starting lineup, moving him to the second unit to be the backup center and adding more shooting to the floor could open up their offense and help give them the boost they need.

Smith isn’t doing anything for Cleveland right now, and the Cavaliers need to just find players that could work with them in the future. Dieng is an average level NBA player, but getting that in return for Smith is a win for Cleveland. The Timberwolves free themselves from Dieng’s contract next season, giving them a little space to work with, especially with Towns’ extension about to kick in. Minnesota can’t be paying Dieng, Towns, Wiggins and Teague nearly $90 million next season. Getting rid of the remaining $33.5 million on Dieng’s salary is worth giving up Dieng and the 2020 first round pick.

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