3 struggling teams who could become NBA Trade Deadline sellers

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 21: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves speaks with Rudy Gobert #27 before the game against the Utah Jazz at Target Center on October 21, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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 Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) /

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PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 19: D’Angelo Russell #0, Rudy Gobert #27, and Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves look on against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on November 19, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

2. Minnesota Timberwolves (13-15)

Already regretting the Rudy Gobert trade? Jarred Vanderbilt, Malik Beasley, and Patrick Beverley are all very good role players that brought swagger and toughness to this Minnesota team. Giving up four first-round picks AND these quality NBA players are what really hurt Minnesota in this abysmal trade. Now, Minnesota is left with guys like Kyle Anderson and Jaylen Nowell to fill the void of playing 20-plus minutes a game. It’s no surprise this team is floating around .500 in a strong Western Conference.

Despite trading away practically everything for Gobert, Minnesota has the expiring deals of D’Angelo Russell and Naz Reid, two valuable pieces that contenders could be interested in.

Despite a statistically down year, Russell is one of the best guards on the trade market. After hearing Karl-Anthony Towns is out several weeks with a calf strain, it would be wise for Minnesota to trade Russell and acquire some draft assets. We all know they could use some after the Gobert deal.

Naz Reid has an expiring deal too, and he played quality minutes for Minnesota in their playoff series against Memphis, proving he can be a strong backup center on a playoff team. Minnesota is making a big mistake if they are still around .500 at the deadline and decide against dealing Reid and Russell.

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