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Warriors: Timberwolves 2021 first-round pick is Dubs’ most valuable asset

By Nathan Beighle

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 08: General manager Bob Myers of the Golden State Warriors looks on courtside during the game between the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Clippers during the 2019 NBA Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 08, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 08: General manager Bob Myers of the Golden State Warriors looks on courtside during the game between the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Clippers during the 2019 NBA Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 08, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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The Golden State Warriors trade D’Angelo Russell for Andrew Wiggins and a top-three protected 2021 first-round pick, arguably the team’s most valuable asset.

With a guaranteed top-five pick in the 2020 NBA Draft and the Minnesota Timberwolves first-round pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, the Golden State Warriors are set up well for success into the future.

The Minnesota Timberwolves will have Karl-Anthony Towns and D’Angelo Russell next season, and while they may mesh well together, the roster won’t be as talented as when Wiggins, KAT, and Jimmy Butler were on the team.

That said, I don’t expect the Wolves to be a playoff team. At peak, they could potentially be a fringe playoff team in a Western Conference that will arguably get even better this offseason.

That’s why this pick, assuming it’s not retained by Minnesota, will be the Warriors’ most valuable asset. Well, that and the fact that the 2021 draft pick is full of stars even into the mid-to-late lottery.

When BJ Boston is considered a fringe top-five player with the potential scoring of Kevin Durant, you know the draft class is going to be loaded. Back in February, SB Nation that the 2021 draft will be “way better” than the 2020 one.

With Oklahoma State’s Cade Cunningham likely leading the chargee, the class next season is projected to be one of the best in the last decade.

With other top prospects, the Warriors pick won’t be in the top three and may not even break the top 5 or 7, but it will still have value, potentially more than their current 2020 pick which could end up as No. 1.

“It sure feels like the 2021 draft checks every box right now. A lot can change in the next 16.5 months, but those who have kept a close eye on the American prep scene and a couple young international pros are already seeing the signs of a very good class,” Ricky O’Donnell wrote.

Without much upside on this draft, the Warriors are going to consider trading their pick. Where they pick and if they win the lottery will be extremely important to the value of said pick.

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But, don’t expect them to trade their 2021 first-round pick from Minnesota which appears to have more value.

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