5 must-see trades to shake up the 2023 NBA Draft

The Timberwolves are shifting their priorities to build around Anthony Edwards. That has naturally led to trade chatter regarding Karl-Anthony Towns, who isn’t the cleanest fit with newly acquired center Rudy Gobert. The Wolves gave up the farm for Gobert and his contract feels borderline untradeable at the moment, so any big shake-up will probably involve KAT.

Meanwhile, the Magic are closer than most realize to contending. Paolo Banchero looks like a legitimate offensive hub at the 4 spot and Franz Wagner is a ridiculously talented playmaker and three-level scorer at 6-foot-10. Orlando can double down on their rare size and skill combination with KAT, maybe the best 3-point shooting big ever.

To make it happen, Orlando sacrifices the No. 6 pick and two former lottery picks in Jalen Suggs and Wendell Carter Jr. He hasn’t lived up to expectations yet, but Suggs is a tremendous guard defender and ancillary playmaker with enough athletic pop to convince Minnesota of untapped potential.

As for Carter, he doesn’t really fit next to Gobert. So, he gets shipped over to OKC for the No. 12 pick, which reroutes back to Minnesota to sweeten the package. KAT is a legitimate star and won’t come cheap. Carter is a balanced offensive big whose physicality would pair nicely with Chet Holmgren in the Thunder frontcourt. He’s also on a bargain contract, which Sam Presti and the OKC front office will appreciate as they maintain optionality for the future.

The Magic and Thunder both make a real jump toward contention. The Wolves were already a play-in level team or better with KAT on the sidelines for most of last season. The Nos. 6 and 12 picks can be used on wings or guards to better balance the rotation while clearing space for Edwards to emerge as the team’s true offensive leader.