The Minnesota Timberwolves are trying to deal with current and future roster changes while trying to build around their “Big 3”, Karl Anthony-Towns, D’Angelo Russell, and Anthony Edwards.
With Patrick Beverley close to free agency with an expiring contract, the team is putting him on the trading block along with Malik Beasley with eyes for a specific guard.
According to Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report, the Timberwolves are looking at a Boston Celtics guard to replace Beverley in the future.
“Before Patrick Beverley reaches free agency, Minnesota is exploring trade avenues involving its veteran point guard in addition to the Timberwolves’ conversations regarding Malik Beasley. Marcus Smart has been mentioned as a recent target for Minnesota who would fill Beverley’s integral role in the Wolves’ starting lineup.”
Marcus Smart is considered a younger version of Patrick Beverley at 27-years-old as a scrappy guard who exercises the most of his abilities on the court on a consistent basis. He also is a much more expensive version with a contract that won’t expire until the end of the 2025-26 season and with a remaining guaranteed amount of nearly $100 million.
If the Wolves front office decides to make the move, it’s a definite push for the playoffs where they haven’t been since the 2017-18 season.
This season, Smart is averaging 11.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game, while Patrick Beverley is averaging 8.8 points, 4.4 board, and 5.0 dimes.
