The Minnesota Timberwolves would gladly take a power forward if they can grab one at a comfortable price.
In recent weeks, the Wolves have frequently been mentioned in rumors involving free agents Jonathan Kuminga and Ben Simmons.
Given the Wolves’ depleted asset cupboard, they would perhaps rather not have to make a trade for a starting power forward. But they may have to. The Wolves have roughly $6 million in exception money available which they can use to sign Kuminga or another free agent. But Kuminga has generated strong interest from the Los Angeles Lakers, who are widely believed to land Kuminga this offseason.
The Trade Timberwolves Can Make to Surround Anthony Edwards With a Star PF
GettyDENVER, COLORADO – APRIL 1: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves celebrates after a win in double overtime against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena on April 1, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
For weeks, the Wolves hoped LeBron James would come in and take that vacant starting power forward position. That’s until James signed with the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency.
Although Minnesota has the personnel to perhaps mask the hole it has at power forward, the much better option would be to explore the trade market to see what options might be available. One player that could fit perfectly into the Wolves’ system is Indiana Pacers high-flyer Obi Toppin.
Toppin, 28, is a proven playoff starter, a legitimate 3-point shooter and an explosive transition player. Sounds like the perfect pick up for the Wolves.
Here is a simple trade framework that could work for both the Wolves and Pacers.
Wolves receive: Obi Toppin
Pacers receive: Donte DiVincenzo.
Simply put, the Wolves pick up a player who can log major minutes as the starting power forward. The Pacers could bring in DiVincenzo, adding a scoring-minded guard to an Indiana backcourt that could use some scoring.
Toppin missed much of last season with injury trouble, but in the 2024-25 season, Toppin played a pivotal role in helping the Pacers reach the NBA Finals. In the championship round, the electric 28-year-old forward averaged 11 points and five rebounds per game while cashing 36 percent of his tries from beyond the arc.
Why Kuminga May Not Be the Better Option
It’s true that the Wolves are in the running for Kuminga. According to NBA insider Brett Siegel, Minnesota and L.A. are the two suitors for the 23-year-old free agent. Siegel also mentioned how the Wolves and Kuminga would be a seamless on-court match.
“Overall, the Timberwolves would be a great fit for Kuminga since they have a clear need for another dynamic forward next to Jaden McDaniels and can play an uptempo style on offense with LaMelo Ball and Anthony Edwards pushing the pace. That is the type of style Kuminga would thrive in,” Siegel wrote for ClutchPoints.
While Kuminga is a high-upside option, Toppin is the proven option.
After trading for LaMelo Ball, the Wolves have championship aspirations; Toppin is a championship-tested player with proven impact on a title-contending team.
If the Pacers are willing to do business and are open to dealing Toppin, the Wolves should absolutely pick up the phone and find out what it would take to land the 6’9” power forward.
Proposed Trade Gives Timberwolves 6’9″ Electric Star PF With Anthony Edwards