The Minnesota Timberwolves are on the map as one of the NBA’s most fascinating teams this offseason. After pairing LaMelo Ball with Anthony Edwards, Minnesota doubled down on offensive firepower.
However, losing Naz Reid and Julius Randle also created a glaring hole in the frontcourt. The Timberwolves now lack a versatile forward capable of defending multiple positions without needing the ball in his hands.
Only Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels are on the roster as two-way players with defensive acumen.
That’s why Sacramento’s De’Andre Hunter ($24,910,714) makes plenty of sense for the Timberwolves to acquire.
The 6’7″, 221-lb wing is one of the league’s better complementary players, and Minnesota has exactly the kind of asset the Kings could use in Josh Green ($14,679,012) and Donte DiVincenzo ($12,535,000).
Proposed Trade Package
Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: De’Andre Hunter
Sacramento Kings Receive: Josh Green, Donte DiVincenzo, 2030 second-round pick (via Oklahoma City through Detroit, protected 51-60 via Memphis)
Hunter Is The Missing Piece Minnesota Needs
The Timberwolves have enough offense to take them where they need to go. With Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball leading the backcourt, Minnesota has the speed and shot creation to be contenders.
What the roster lacks is a reliable forward who can defend elite wings every night and hit threes. That’s exactly the role De’Andre Hunter has filled throughout his career.
Hunter had an up-and-down season in 2025-26, averaging 13.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.7 steals, and 0.1 blocks per game while shooting 41.5% from the field and 30.5% from three-point range.
But being involved in trade rumors hurt his production, and we know he can get back to his best (2024-25 season where he averaged 17.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.2 blocks per game on 47.0% from the field and 40.5% from deep.
At 6’7″ with a 7’2″ wingspan, he has the size (221 lbs) to guard multiple positions while providing consistent offense as a spot-up shooter.
Most importantly, Hunter doesn’t need touches to stay engaged.
Edwards is the franchise player, while Ball will naturally have the ball in his hands, orchestrating the offense. Every championship contender needs a player like Hunter, and Minnesota currently doesn’t have one.
Why Sacramento Makes The Deal
On paper, giving up the 28-year-old De’Andre Hunter seems like the losing decision.
However, Sacramento would receive two rotation players as they look to blow up their roster and rebuild around Darius Acuff Jr and Keegan Murray. The Kings would essentially be getting younger with Green (25 years old) and utilize DiVincenzo’s expiring deal ($12,535,000).
Josh Green is one of the NBA’s most underrated role players, averaging 6.3 points, 2.5 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.7 steals, and 0.1 blocks per game while shooting 38.7% from three over six seasons. At 25, Green also has more value than Hunter on a rebuilding team.
Donte DiVincenzo brings another valuable skill set as a career 38.0% three-point shooter, giving the Kings an experienced veteran who can be a locker room voice before his contract expires. The second-round pick is another plus.
The biggest appeal is getting younger rather than losing Hunter for nothing. Green is only 25 and can guard multiple positions; DiVincenzo provides floor spacing and toughness on an expiring deal. For the Kings, who are going nowhere, this isn’t the worst deal for them as they give up the best player in the trade.
Minnesota Could Become A Deeper Playoff Squad
This trade isn’t about adding another superstar because Hunter isn’t one. The forward would slide naturally into the forward spot, allowing Minnesota to fully embrace its new identity built around Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball without sacrificing size or defensive toughness.
Suddenly, the Timberwolves would have quality defenders at nearly every position while maintaining plenty of offensive firepower. Defensively, Hunter could take on the toughest wing assignments against the West’s elite such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Stephon Castle, Kevin Durant, and Luka Doncic.
His versatility would also allow Chris Finch to experiment with small-ball lineups without becoming vulnerable defensively.
Offensively, the fit is almost effortless. Hunter can hit his threes, attack the rim, and be ready when his number is called. Hunter will also be looking to sign a long-term contract and will likely be motivated next season.
The move won’t generate the headlines that blockbuster superstar trades do, but it could help the Timberwolves become a deeper squad once the playoffs arrive.
