MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A person with knowledge of the conversations tells The Associated Press that the Minnesota Timberwolves offered Derrick Williams to the Charlotte Bobcats for the No. 2 overall draft pick in an effort to eventually land Lakers forward Pau Gasol.
The deal never came together before the draft began on Thursday night, and the Bobcats stayed at No. 2 and took Kentucky forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. The person requested anonymity because the talks were meant to remain private.
Williams was the No. 2 overall draft pick last season and is considered Minnesota’s best trade asset.
The Timberwolves were expected to continue their pursuit of Gasol in hopes of pairing him with fellow Spaniard Ricky Rubio and Kevin Love on a revamped roster.
