Minnesota Timberwolves

Will Timberwolves take Russell and trade Rubio?

Published Jun. 4, 2015 11:40 a.m. ET

foxsports

Everyone expects the Minnesota Timberwolves to select a center with the first overall pick in this year's draft. Karl-Anthony Towns and Jahlil Okafor look like sure studs, and passing on them both feels like it'd be a disastrous mistake.

But in his most recent mock draft, ESPN's Chad Ford hints that Minnesota may do just that. Here's more:

"And do not totally discount D'Angelo Russell here either. I am told Saunders is also a big fan and might be willing to move Ricky Rubio for the right deal."

This would be a seismic shock. Russell is a fine player, but the Timberwolves just signed Rubio to a four-year, $55 million extension. The Spanish point guard isn't perfect (that jump shot could use a tuneup), but he's one of the league's finest passers and a sturdy defender at the point of attack.

It all depends on what Saunders gets back for Rubio's service, but chances are it won't be enough to rationalize missing out on a guaranteed franchise big man. This would be awful.

(h/t: ESPN)

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