The 7 Teams Who Benefit Most from Kyrie Irving’s Trade Request

6. Minnesota Timberwolves

Obviously Minnesota would benefit even more if Irving is traded there – which is a real possibility. The Timberwolves have one of the most enticing assets to involve in a trade for Irving, Andrew Wiggins.

Although a straight up Wiggins for Irving trade doesn’t balance out, if the Wolves throw in extra pieces, Cleveland might not find a better offer out there.

Let’s say Minnesota doesn’t end up getting Irving. Think about how much the narrative has changed for this franchise in less than five weeks.

When they traded for Jimmy Butler, the Wolves started to be viewed as an intriguing team that will be fun to watch and “give the Western Conference contenders a run for their money.”

No one was saying Minnesota would win the West, but to go from missing out on the Playoffs to becoming a threat is significant.

When Irving put Minnesota on his wishlist, it was a signal that the land of 10,000 Lakes has become (gulp) an attractive basketball destination.

When Irving becomes a free-agent in 2019, who’s to say he won’t want to team up with Butler and Karl Anthony-Towns after his contract expires with whatever team he’s traded to?

Towns will just be entering his prime years, Butler will still have plenty left in the tank two years from now. Irving will be 27. I’d keep the Wolves on the radar whether they trade for Irving or end up waiting until he becomes a free-agent.

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