Big Red Louie
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Louisville basketball: Bold prediction for each former Card in the NBA

By Jacob Lane

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 16: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz dribbles past Montrezl Harrell #5 of the Los Angeles Clippers during the first half of a game at Staples Center on January 16, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 16: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz dribbles past Montrezl Harrell #5 of the Los Angeles Clippers during the first half of a game at Staples Center on January 16, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – OCTOBER 19: Gorgui Dieng #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on October 19, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Cavaliers 131-123. 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 Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – OCTOBER 19: Gorgui Dieng #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on October 19, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Cavaliers 131-123. 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 Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

Gorgui Dieng – C, Minnesota Timberwolves

Prediction: Traded at the 2020 NBA Trade Deadline and averages a double-double to close the season

After blossoming into a young, quality starting center for the Minnesota Timberwolves, former head coach Tom Thibodeaux seemingly derailed the future of former Louisville basketball center Gorgui Dieng.

I say that a little tongue-in-cheek, but in reality after nearly averaging a double-double in his second, third, and fourth years in the league (earning a multi-year, multi-million dollar contract in the process) Thibs reduced Dieng’s minutes from 30-plus minutes to less than 16 in his fifth and sixth years in the league.

Now with new head coach Ryan Saunders in place, Dieng may be able to get back to playing the minutes he deserves thus putting up better numbers. At this point, the Timberwolves are in compete now mode with Karl-Anthony Towns entering the back half of his rookie deal and the potential to force a trade or move in free agency looms over the franchise. That means using Dieng’s $16,000,000 deal as a trade chip could be, and should be an option. However, the problem will be convincing a team to make a deal.

There’s no denying that Dieng needs a fresh start, and with his contract coming off the books after next season he easily could be an attractive target for the right team, especially considering the players who will be available in the summer of 2021. However, as of now, Dieng is the 15th highest-paid center and the 6.4 points and 4.1 rebounds per game won’t do much for stirring up interest.

With that being said, I believe a deal could be worked out and will be worked out. The Timberwolves need more pieces around KAT and Andrew Wiggins and pairing a first-round pick and Dieng’s contract could be a nice move for a rebuilding roster like Atlanta, Charlotte, or the Memphis Grizzlies.

Once Dieng gets back to playing regular minutes, he’ll produce you can guarantee that. This year, once traded (just a prediction) I believe Dieng will get back to averaging 10-plus points and rebounds per game and show teams he is still a starting center in the league.

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