The Minnesota Timberwolves want two first round picks for Robert Covington. The early reports suggest Minnesota won’t have a problem finding a trade partner for RoCo. With Minnesota sitting at 15-34, Covington feels like the best way to acquire future assets (outside of dealing Karl-Anthony Towns). As the trade deadline nears, Covington seems to have endless suitors. My question is why? Are teams overvaluing RoCo? Where is the Robert Covington hype coming from?
There is a reason why the 76ers were happy to give up Covington in the Jimmy Butler trade. Covington is averaging 12.8 points, 6 rebounds, and 1.2 assists. He also has a shooting percentage stat line of 43.5 field goal, 34.6 3-point, and 79.8 free throw percentage. This is actually the best shooting year of his career. Look, Covington is a nice role player. Maybe even capable starter. Two first round picks? That’s a big stretch.
Covington’s name is hot on the market. He’s garnering interest from Houston, Philadelphia, Dallas, Denver, and the LA Clippers. It’s almost like Philadelphia forgot who he was when he was on the team. According to The Athletic’s Anthony Slater, the T-Wolves asked for Matisse Thybulle and a first round pick. Doesn’t that sound insane?
I get it to an extent. Covington does a lot of everything and play real defense. 2 first round picks seems super rich. Especially when Minnesota believes they can essentially swap Covington for D’Angelo Russell. The crazy part is I think someone will bite. Houston wants him badly and are doing everything they can to move Clint Capela in the process. Philadelphia is desperate to switch things up. The Clippers have assets to flip including the Moe Harkless deal and picks.
