NBA Rumors: Lakers, T’Wolves To ‘Swap’ Draft Picks?

USA Today

The plot thickens with the 2015 NBA Draft less than three weeks away on June 25. The Minnesota Timberwolves currently own the number one overall pick in the draft and all indications point to the team selecting either Karl-Anthony Towns out of Kentucky or Duke’s Jahlil Okafor.

Apparently, even though Towns seems to be the consensus top prospect in the draft, the Timberwolves might not be sold on drafting the former Wildcat. The Los Angeles Lakers on the other hand may be angling for a way to bring in the promising young center and may be willing to make a deal to move up to number one.

According to ESPN’s Chad Ford, the Lakers and Timberwolves could be headed for a blockbuster trade that essentially sends Towns to Los Angeles:

“I think Flip see’s Okafor as a major post up presence on offense — a major need of the Wolves. But you’re right. Towns has more strengths than Okafor, fewer weaknesses (if any) and I think he’s a better fit with Gourgi Dieng and Pekovic. No question Towns can play some four in the NBA and be a nightmare match-up […] But we’re still three weeks away. Lots of homework going on. I think the Wolves will eventually decide to take him 1, or perhaps swap with the Lakers and try to pick up another asset.”

The Lakers brass have let it be known that they do not intend on bringing in three rookies this season with the three draft picks they currently own. Los Angeles will have the second pick along with 27 and 34. All of the team’s picks will likely be involved in the deal if it does go down before or during draft day.

Although this rumor is starting to circulate, the Timberwolves may simply go with Okafor rather than Towns meaning the Lakers end up with Karl-Anthony one way or another. It would be safe to assume Minnesota has been approached by Los Angeles or has knows how fond the storied franchise is of Towns and will use that to their advance in trade talks.