Mon, Jul 8, 2019 at 9:00am

TIMBERWOLVES TRADE FOR NAPIER, GRAHAM

The Minnesota Timberwolves acquired guard Shabazz Napier, forward Treveon Graham and cash from the Golden State Warriors for forward Lior Eliyahu.

What does it give the Minnesota Timberwolves
The Timberwolves basically landed two players (and some money to help pay for their salaries) for free here. Napier is a solid backup point guard who could see a lot of action behind veteran Jeff Teague in Minnesota. Graham can play both forward positions, so he is also a candidate to be part of the rotation on the T'wolves.

What does it give the Golden State Warriors
The Warriors had acquired both Napier and Graham from the Nets in the massive Kevin Durant/D'Angelo Russell trade, but they needed to shed more salary and moved them on to Minnesota. They also threw in some cash to facilitate the move. Golden State will not receive anything in return for dealing these players, either (Eliyahu is not an NBA hopeful).

Fantasy impact
Neither Napier nor Graham are great fantasy options heading into 2019-20. Both will come off the bench for a team with limited expectations (and playoff chances).

Player focus

Golden State Warriors

Lior Eliyahu F

Minnesota Timberwolves

cash considerations

Treveon Graham F

Shabazz Napier G