The Minnesota Timberwolves have made what some would consider a questionable trade by moving former no. 2 overall pick Derrick Williams to Sacramento in exchange for Kings forward Luc Richard Mbah a Moute. Despite being such a high selection, Williams has failed to live up to potential in the Timberwolves’ fast-pace offense over the past two seasons. Mbah a Moute has been a defensive specialist with limited offensive output throughout his 5-year career with Milwaukee (and his brief stint in Sacramento this season).
Minnesota Timberwolves
For a team that drafted Derrick Williams in 2011 with the number two overall pick and then failed to integrate him into their offense aside from when Kevin Love was injured, this move looks like they’re trying to put the pick past them. I don’t fully understand how this team only got a defensive backup for a number two pick from just two years ago, but this is an underwhelming trade for the Timberwolves in my opinion. Mbah a Moute is going to provide great depth off the bench from a defensive standpoint, an area where Minnesota could use a bit of help but doesn’t struggle nearly as badly as people may think (ranked 8th in Defensive Efficiency per ESPN’s Hollinger Ratings currently). However, Williams is a very versatile forward who can score, rebound, and is athletic enough to defend both the 3 and the 4 (granted, not exceptionally well). The way that both of these players are being used makes this a decent trade for the Timberwolves because they do gain the defense that is more needed than the offense that Williams can contribute, but the Timberwolves should have been able to get a first-round pick in 2015 or beyond or at least obtain a second-round pick next year for the load of potential that Williams brings.
Trade Grade: C-
Sacramento Kings
This was simply a potential deal for the Kings, who don’t figure to be contenders in the Western Conference playoff race this year. Mbah a Moute provides great defense off the bench, an area where the Kings do struggle, but Sacramento currently ranks 21st in points per game and 17th in offensive efficiency. The lineups have varied all season, except for Greivis Vasquez and Demarcus Cousins who are holding strong at their positions after starting every game thus far. John Salmons isn’t getting any younger and isn’t as explosive of a scorer as he used to be, Marcus Thorton has scoring potential but McLemore seems to be the future at SG, and Travis Outlaw doesn’t everyday starter potential for a contender. If Williams has the necessary time and exposure to succeed, I think that he can become the future starting small forward for the Kings. If he reaches close to his potential, then the Kings suddenly have a starting lineup of Greivis Vasquez, Ben McLemore, Derrick Williams, Jason Thompson/Patrick Patterson, and Demarcus Cousins. Not quite as loaded as the Brooklyn Nets’ starting lineup, but definitely a playoff contending lineup. The Kings are taking on a few millions dollars more this season and next, but that’s a small risk if they can convert this kid into a legitimate starter for their future.
Trade Grade: B
Summary
This trade really won’t be able to be analyzed well until around this time next year, when Williams has had a year to develop and (hopefully) start. As I said earlier, this is fully a potential-based trade for the Kings. This trade could very well change them into a playoff team next year (or possibly this year if the development starts soon and with a bit of luck, but I’m not sold on them yet). For the Timberwolves, this may give them a chance to move on past the David Kahn fiasco that led to a roller coaster of emotions from the Minnesota fan base for 4 years. As a fan of the game, I’d like to see Williams regain his collegiate form and show the league that he can still play. Disappointing percentages over the past two years say otherwise, but changing systems can often rejuvenate a player of his caliber. A simple offense-for-defense trade could be a defining move for an ever-struggling Kings franchise. Let’s hope it works.
By Jon Elliott
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