The Minnesota Timberwolves and the Sacramento Kings are two teams that have been mentioned in trade rumors during the early goings of the season and clearly that was good reason, as the Wolves decided to trade forward Derrick Williams to the Kings for Luc Mbah a Moute, making everyone wonder if Jimmer Fredette is next to go.
According to ESPN.com and Pro Basketball Talk, Williams will be moving to the Kings when the deal is finalized, as it is pending a physical for Mbah a Moute and the trade has been agreed to in principle. Williams has been mentioned in trade rumors since he was drafted at number two in the 2011 draft and the Kings wanted him badly, as they want a player his size working down low and helping out the offense and now he will move on after spending his first seasons with Kevin Love in Minnesota.
Mbah a Moute and Love previously played at UCLA and that could be one reason why the team added him, while the Kings have been looking to upgrade since signing DeMarcus Cousins to a contract extension. The Kings have a new general manager, coach and owner and this is their first big swap and it could potentially be a great one, as Williams has top talent, but never quite clicked in Minnesota. Chuck Hayes was mentioned as a player that could be part of the deal, but ESPN.com reports that the Wolves would rather have Mbah a Moute, although Hayes has connections to the team as well, as he previously played for coach Rick Adelman.
Williams has never been able to establish himself in Minnesota whether it be for the system or the players ahead of him, but now he will move along to the Kings to start fresh. The team has been mentioned in trade rumors regarding Fredette as well, but now it appears that a deal with the former BYU star could come later in the season after they declined to pick up his fourth year option.
Pro Basketball Talk reports that there could be picks involved in the deal, but right now it appears to be straight up for Williams and Mbah a Moute. Williams was solid with 7.5 points and 8.1 rebounds while Love missed most of the year and now he has the chance to get a new start, while the Wolves are looking to capitalize on their solid play early on as they try to make a playoff run.