Dieng making Pek expendable?

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Dieng's value
Dieng's sudden and impressive emergence has created an asset for Minnesota that it hasn't had recently -- a valuable trade chip. And it's not Dieng. It's Pek.

Because of Dieng's above-the-rim defensive presence, he's a better complement to Love in Minnesota's frontcourt. So, naturally, teams with rim-protecting power forwards could become intrigued if Pek becomes available. Pekovic is a legitimate first/second option low-post player who now has a terrific turnaround jumper. He's also a solid low-post defender and rebounder and one of the elite offensive glass eaters in the league.

Think about the teams who need someone like that. Imagine him partnering with an athletic phenom like Anthony Davis in New Orleans. Or alongside Tristan Thompson in Cleveland, with Kyrie Irving running ballscreens with him. Pek could allow Derrick Favors to move to the power forward spot full time in Utah, perhaps helping him reach the level of play everyone expected for him. He'd also work well next to Al Horford or Joakim Noah -- two gifted defenders who can play both post positions on either end of court.

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