Story by
MN Timberwolves Swing Trades on Draft Day 2
- Story by
- MN Timberwolves Swing Trades on Draft Day 2
Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images
The Minnesota Timberwolves wound up staying put with their first round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft on Wednesday night. They grabbed French big man Joan Beringer with the 17th overall pick .
On Thursday there were rumblings that president Tim Connelly was open to moving his second round pick. The 31st overall selection had Minnesota set to pick atop the second round.
Advertisement
Not only did Minnesota find a trade partner for their 31st pick, but Connelly wasn't done negotiating either.
Related Headlines
Phoenix Suns give Minnesota Timberwolves great value
Ultimately the Phoenix Suns came calling and Connelly got great value for the opportunity to kick off the second night of the draft. The Timberwolves moved back five spots, to 35th overall, and also grabbed a pair of future second round picks in the process.
The Minnesota Timberwolves are trading the first pick in tonight's NBA draft — No. 31 — to the Phoenix Suns for No. 36 and two future second-round picks, sources tell ESPN. Suns continue rebuild by moving up to 31 and 41 in draft — send out 36, 52, 59 and two future seconds.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 26, 2025
With the first pick in the second round, Phoenix used the Timberwolves pick on St. Joseph's forward Rasheer Flemming.
That move allows Connelly additional ammunition to use later in this draft, or potentially in the future. The Timberwolves need a playmaker to set the offense and facilitate. There are ample players that fit the bill in the draft, but it's possible none of them would crack Chris Finch's rotation.
Advertisement
Last season Connelly jumped up to grab Rob Dillingham with the 12th overall pick, but he struggled to find consistent minutes. It's a big summer for the young guard, and he'll likely compete with some veteran free agent reinforcements.
Related: ESPN Expert Crowns Wolves as 1st Round NBA Draft Winner
It came down to the wire with Minnesota on the clock, but they opted against picking at 35 as well, and gained even more assets in the process.
Lakers trade for MN Timberwolves 35th pick
Connelly decided there was still value on the board and didn't need to stick at 35. The Los Angeles Lakers swooped in and took over the selection for Minnesota.
The Lakers sent No. 45 and cash to the Timberwolves, sources said. https://t.co/g9zjPtCNSt
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 27, 2025
On the clock for Minnesota, the Los Angeles Lakers took Arkansas forward Adou Thiero . His selection came just after March Madness star Johni Broome from Auburn.
Advertisement
Minnesota moved back ten spots to 45th overall and will get some cash in the process. It's a bit odd that the Timberwolves couldn't find a bit more value from Los Angeles after doing so well with the deal from Phoenix.
It remains to be seen whether Connelly will make a pick at 45, but that's where Minnesota sits for now.
Related Headlines
