A proposed deal circulating among fans suggests Minnesota could acquire two solid pieces from the New Orleans Pelicans: Herb Jones and Jordan Poole, plus a first-round pick, in exchange for Gobert and Donte DiVincenzo. This package would give Minnesota a trio of players who can contribute immediately while clearing some payroll and giving the team more versatility and depth.
Context for the potential deal centers on Minnesota’s recent roster moves. The Timberwolves have traded away a few players to create room for new pieces, with recent activity indicating a shift toward a younger, more athletic core around Edwards. While Gobert’s contract is substantial—carrying a $36.5 million cap hit for the 2026-27 season as part of a three-year, $109.5 million extension—his age and the team’s direction have led to speculation about a possible move for younger, more versatile talent. Poole’s contract aligns similarly, at roughly $34 million for 2026-27, with the deal set to conclude after that season. Herb Jones, on the other hand, would provide elite wing defense and the ability to hit open threes, though his production has been inconsistent in recent seasons.
The proposed exchange would be primarily about salary matching. Neither side is pursuing significant cap space in the immediate term. However, Minnesota would face rising costs with Jones’s three-year extension next season, so long-term financial planning would become important if the deal goes through.
What the added pieces could mean for Minnesota’s outlook
– Offense and spacing: Jordan Poole could serve as a scoring punch off the bench or in certain lineups, offering shot creation and scoring ability. He has shown bursts of scoring potential in various stops, though his decision-making and overall efficiency are areas to monitor. In a spread-oriented system, Poole could provide a spark and help diversify Minnesota’s offense.
– Defense and versatility: Herb Jones would bolster wing defense and versatility, pairing with players like Jaden McDaniels to create a more dynamic and switchable perimeter. His shooting would be important to maintain floor spacing as the team reshapes its lineup around Edwards.
– Center position: If Gobert departs, Minnesota would still need to address the center role. Any trade would likely prompt a pursuit of a more flexible, mobile big or another center who can defend and rim-protect while complementing the rest of the roster.
– Long-term considerations: While the trade could improve depth and athleticism in the short term, Minnesota would need to manage Jones’s rising contract and any future extensions to ensure a balanced cap sheet in subsequent seasons.
Impact on Minnesota’s core
Losing Gobert would be a defensive hit, but the team could pivot toward a more athletic, perimeter-focused build after adding Ball alongside Edwards. Poole could contribute as a scoring option off the bench and in some starting scenarios, helping to diversify Minnesota’s offense. Jones would be a strong fit on the wing for defense and versatility, complementing McDaniels and the backcourt.
New Orleans would benefit from including Gobert as the centerpiece of the deal, alongside DiVincenzo, in hopes of rounding out the roster with a mix of defense and shooting while attempting to secure a postseason push.
Summary
The proposed a three-player-plus-pick swap would be a salary-matching move designed to reshape Minnesota’s roster around Anthony Edwards. It would introduce a dynamic guard/forward combination in Poole and Jones, while also reshaping the Timberwolves’ center position for the near future. Any final decision would hinge on how well the team can integrate the new pieces, manage salaries, and maintain a balanced roster that supports Edwards’s development as the cornerstone of the franchise. As the offseason progresses, Minnesota’s front office will evaluate whether this trio-and-pick package best fits the team’s long-term timeline and competitive goals.
