Amid a disappointing 10-8 start to the season, Minnesota Timberwolves fans are (understandably) already thinking ahead to the trade deadline. Point guard is the most obvious position the Wolves could upgrade. With Ja Morant, Trae Young and LaMelo Ball potentially available, the Wolves could theoretically trade for a star-level point guard. Giving Anthony Edwards a star point guard would benefit him immensely.
However, the reality is that the Wolves may have difficulty trading for a star player. The Wolves have a hard cap at the first tax deferral, making a major trade financially challenging. They also don’t own many of their future picks, which further hinders their ability to make trades.
In addition, the three guards most rumored to be available have major concerns. Ball and Morant are often injured and not having a great season. Young is very heliocentric and has a contract situation that needs to be resolved. Maybe Kyrie Irving could be an option, but trading for a 33-year-old with an ACL injury is a big risk.
On the face of it, it can’t be frustrating for Wolves fans if there isn’t a clear path to trading for a star. Still, I consider this a blessing in disguise. Sure, it would be great to trade for a star, but the Wolves may only need a small trade when it’s all said and done.
Trading for a star is difficult for the Timberwolves
Now, I wouldn’t rule out the Wolves trading for one of these players, but it would be difficult from several angles. It’s unclear what other stars could become available. Even if there are players who would be a better fit for Minnesota, it would be difficult to make a move given the issues mentioned earlier. Before I discuss why this is a blessing in disguise, let’s take a closer look at the challenges of trading for a star.
The Wolves reportedly view Jaden McDaniels as “nearly untouchable.” Given Rudy Gobert’s age and contract, it’s unlikely opponents would be happy with him as the centerpiece of a deal. Can Naz Reid, Donte DiVincenzo and young players make something work? Maybe, but I wouldn’t count on it.
The clearest path to landing a star is trading Julius Randle. However, Randle was undoubtedly better than Morant and Ball this season. Young has only played in five games, so it’s a small sample size, but Randle was better than him, too. Considering Randle’s $30.8 million contract, the Wolves would have to bring in more players to trade for one of these guards.
In my opinion, that’s not worth it for Minnesota.
The Wolves don’t need a star point guard
The Wolves have struggled this season, going 0-7 against teams above .500 and collapsing in the fourth quarter. Something clearly needs to change, and the Wolves need to take action at the deadline. I still don’t think the Wolves need a blockbuster trade to turn around their season and contending fortunes.
Let’s not forget that this Wolves core went to the conference finals last year and finished the season with a 16-4 record in the last 20 games. So what gives? Mike Conley, now at age 38, has continued to decline, averaging a career-high 5.8 points on 39 percent shooting from the field. The Wolves have failed to fill the void left by Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who left on his own. Yes, there are other problems for the Timberwolves, but these are two of the most notable.
The Wolves need to find a rotation-level point guard and in turn add to their depth. That doesn’t mean they should trade for a star. Tre Jones and Dennis Schröder are two players that stand out to me as possible trade targets, but there are certainly other players who could fit this mold.
Despite their struggles, the Wolves have a lot of potential as contenders. They are still in the top 10 in offensive and defensive rating. Edwards is a legitimate superstar, Randle is a capable second option and McDaniels is playing the best basketball of his career.
All things considered, trading for a role player could make a huge difference for the Wolves.
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