The Vertical Insider Bobby Marks, a former longtime assistant general manager with the Nets, breaks down the Minnesota Timberwolves’ situation as the Feb. 18 trade deadline approaches.

HANG UP IF THEY ASK ABOUT …

The young guns

Minnesota, with a combination of solid drafts, smart trades and a tad bit of luck, has built a solid young core to build around.





View photos Karl-Anthony Towns scores on the Thunder’s Serge Ibaka. (AP) More

Former first overall picks Karl Anthony-Towns and Andrew Wiggins form the best young duo in the NBA. With continued development, both players could emerge as franchise talents.

Gorgui Dieng and Shabazz Muhammad, 2013 first-round picks, continue to develop. Muhammad saw limited minutes early in the season, but has seen his minutes and production dramatically increase. Dieng has also seen sporadic minutes. He needs to be on the court more than 25 minutes per night to develop.

Ricky Rubio, when healthy, is one of the most electrifying young point guards in the NBA. The 25-year-old is fifth in the league in assists for a Timberwolves team that is in the bottom 10 in scoring. With contract values set to rise, the extension Rubio signed in 2014 will soon become one the most valuable contracts in the league, especially for a starting point guard.

UP FOR DEBATE

Adreian Payne

Payne, 24, is a player stuck in no man’s land. The former first-round pick from Atlanta, whom Minnesota acquired for a future first, has moved to the end of the bench. With that said, it is hard to give up on a player who was picked 15th overall in the draft, especially since he has only been in a Timberwolves uniform for less than a year.





WORTH TAKING THE CALL

Kevin Martin

Martin, 32, has seen his overall play nosedive this season. With a player option hanging over his head this summer, Martin still has value for playoff teams looking for shooting. Martin has a $7 million cap hit for the current season as well as next year if he opts in.





NO-TRADE CLAUSE OR WITH A RESTRICTION

Kevin Garnett

Garnett is one of six players in the NBA to have a no-trade clause. The no-trade clause comes with the provision of total veto power.





MOVE THAT PUSHES THE NEEDLE

None



The team needs to stand pat and develop the current group of young players.

TREASURE CHEST OF PICKS

Solid, with young players

The Timberwolves’ roster is dominated with players acquired through the draft and trades. Eight players on the roster are former first-round picks selected or acquired by Minnesota.





View photos Timberwolves guard Kevin Martin might be worth moving. (AP) More

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