:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/5446019/138176810.jpg)
The Minnesota Timberwolves are in an interesting position this season as they try to decide whether they want to allow their youngsters to keep improving from within or if they're ready to compete with just a couple of roster tweaks. The latest NBA trade rumors indicate the latter.
The Minnesota Timberwolves are pursuing Los Angeles Lakers big man Pau Gasol, according to Fox Sports' Chris Tomasson. It'd be an interesting move and one that doesn't seem likely considering the pieces the Timberwolves might have to give up:
In other news involving NBA big men, a source said Wednesday that Minnesota continues to pursue a possible trade for Lakers forward Pau Gasol, dangling rookie Derrick Williams, who is from the Los Angeles area, and draft choices. The only players considered untouchable by the Timberwolves, who are seeking to add a veteran by the trade deadline, are Kevin Love and Ricky Rubio. The Timberwolves believe it could be enticing for Gasol to play on the same team as fellow Spaniard Rubio.
The article also says that Kevin Love and Ricky Rubio are considered "untouchable."
Gasol is averaging 10.6 rebounds and a career-low 16.8 points this season. The decreased scoring could be a byproduct of a new offensive system under first-year Lakers coach Mike Brown, or of Gasol’s age – this is his 12th year in the league. It could also have something to do with Kobe Bryant’s 23.9 field goal attempts per game, the second most field goal attempts of his career.
This Gasol speculation comes on the heels of an SI.com article asserting that Minnesota could make a play for shooting guard J.R. Smith, who has spent the season playing in China’s CBA but will soon be eligible to sign with an NBA team.
The Timberwolves are currently 14-16 and 2.0 games back of 8th-place Portland in the West.
For more on the Minnesota Timberwolves, check out Canis Hoopus. You can also check out professional basketball news from around the league over at SB Nation’s NBA page.