Latest Minnesota rumor

     The latest rumor out of Minnesota, according to a source that follows the Timberwolves, is they might want to trade the No. 5 and 18 picks to Oklahoma City for the No. 3 pick. The latest twist is Minnesota’s target is Tyreke Evans, not Ricky Rubio or Hasheem Thabeet.

      Sacramento, which picks No. 4,  is believed to have Evans at the top of its board. Minnesota might feel compelled to move up to take Evans but doesn’t want to give up the No. 5 and No. 6 picks to Memphis to get Evans since that would be a high price, especially since they also have interest in Rubio and Thabeet.

       If Oklahoma City GM Sam Presti were to trade down to No. 5, would Sacramento take Rubio at No. 4? The Kings probably would have no choice. They also might be willing to trade the pick to the Knicks or another team, although those teams don’t have extra draft picks.

       If the Thunder does trade down and has the No. 5 pick — and Rubio and Thabeet are both off the board — the question would then become does Presti prefer James Harden or Stephen Curry.

        If  Rubio were still available at No. 5, what would Presti do, draft and keep Rubio or trade down a second time? 

   –MB