NBA Rumors: T-Wolves Forward Stays Level-Headed Amidst Trade Speculations

KEY POINTS

Covington is not letting trade rumors ruin his focus with the T-Wolves
Covington could be an ideal fit for teams in need of a 3-and-D player
Several teams are interested in getting the undrafted player of the 2013 NBA Draft

The NBA trade deadline is roughly three weeks away and the list of names who could be potentially on the move keeps on growing. One of the popular cagers who could be changing teams is Robert Covington, someone who went undrafted back in 2013.

The 29-year-old forward should be an ideal fit for teams looking for a 3-and-D player. This season, the former Tennessee State standout has played in 38 games averaging 12.7 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.2 assists per Basketball-Reference.com. These are practically the same as his career averages that could come in handy with the right team.

Currently with the Minnesota Timberwolves, it appears the 6-foot-7 forward prefers to cross the bridge when he gets there. For now, he is focused on performing his duty as a Minnesota Timberwolf, something he stressed in an interview with The Athletic.

“My main focus is with this team and what I do every day. I don’t get caught up in the rumors and hype and whatnot. Right now, I’m a Minnesota Timberwolf and that’s all my focus is (on),” he said.

Covington is in the second year of a four-year contract worth $46.9 million which he originally signed with the Philadelphia 76ers during the 2018-19 NBA season. The T-Wolves inherited that pact in a trade that involved Jimmy Butler. The current season will only be the second year of that contract. He will earn $11.3 million this season and owed roughly $25 million in the next two seasons. He becomes an unrestricted free agent in 2022 according to Spotrac.

Despite signifying his intent to remain in Minnesota, the final say may not be his to make. The reality of it all is that the Timberwolves are running 12th in the NBA Western Conference with a 15-24 card. To catch the bus to the postseason wars, the T-Wolves need to make a run as early as now.

Covington has been helping the T-Wolves campaign but there is the possibility that Minnesota could opt to look ahead. Several teams have reportedly expressed interest in Covington, meaning a deal could be done at any point in the coming weeks. Minnesota could study offers made and see if the assets offered align with their plans moving forward.