The Minnesota Timberwolves are looking to move up in the 2012 NBA Draft. They've already traded their lone first-round pick, No. 18 overall, to the Houston Rockets in exchange for forward Chase Budinger. Prior to making that trade, the word was that they were shopping Derrick Williams in order to move back up into the first round of the draft.
Some questioned as to whether or not they'd still be shopping Williams after moving out of the first round, but it's looking like they're still being active. How active, you might ask? Active enough to make a move for the No. 2 pick in the draft, according to Jonathan Givony of Draft Express on Twitter:
Sources say Minnesota offered Derrick Williams to Charlotte in exchange for the #2 pick. Bobcats quickly rejected.
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) June 28, 2012
Williams himself was the No. 2 pick in the 2011 NBA Draft. Most figured the Timberwolves would be trying to move up again, but up to No. 2 is something of a surprise. Still, it's not shocking that the Bobcats declined the trade. It would likely take a player and another first-round pick to move into that slot.
Budinger coming to Minnesota might mean the Timberwolves are willing to settle for a little bit lest with Williams. Budinger will definitely take playing time from him, and it wouldn't be surprising to see Minnesota trying to go with some different trades with some later picks to move him.
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