The NBA trade deadline is just under three weeks away, and it’s no secret that the Minnesota Timberwolves are looking for point guard upgrades. Frankly, a point guard room of Bones Hyland, Mike Conley and Rob Dillingham is not championship level. However, the Wolves will not pursue a star player like Ja Morant. This makes sense given the Wolves’ lack of depth and high payroll.
If the Wolves make a trade, it will be for a minimum- or mid-level player. A more expensive name that the Wolves have confirmed interest in is Collin Sexton. Jake Fischer noticed the Wolves’ interest in Sexton a few weeks ago, and now Michael Scotto has confirmed Minnesota’s interest in Sexton.
“Earlier this season, the Minnesota Timberwolves also conducted due diligence and called Memphis about Morant’s availability, but that interest has since waned. Conversely, Minnesota has Charlotte Hornets guard Collin Sexton — who has an expiring contract worth $18.98 million — as one of its potential trade targets,” Scotto reported.
If Tim Connelly and the Wolves make a big move at the deadline, it will likely be for Sexton. Coby White is another player of similar caliber who could be a trade target. Still, Sexton’s fit with the Wolves is clearer given his two-way impact (something White can’t provide), so trading for Sexton could be the perfect move.
Sexton fits perfectly
The Timberwolves need a point guard who can provide a little bit of everything, including shot making, shooting, defense and playmaking. That describes Sexton perfectly. Additionally, the 6-foot-1 guard plays with a relentless motor that would help elevate the Wolves.
On the season, Sexton is averaging 14.9 points, 2 rebounds and 4.1 assists on 48.5/38.3/87.1 shooting splits. However, in previous seasons with the Utah Jazz, Sexton averaged 18.6 points. Sexton is a productive all-around scorer.
He shoots 69.8 percent at the rim and relentlessly attacks the basket, a skill the Wolves desperately need. Plus, he shoots an absurd 49.2 percent on catch-and-shoot 3s. Having a player like Sexton, who can create for himself and make plays with the ball at the same time, is perfect next to Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle.
Sexton isn’t exactly a floor general, but he has solid playmaking skills and typically makes the right reads. Defensively, despite being a small guard, Sexton is a suffocating defender who plays with unparalleled energy. Opponents shoot just 43.5 percent from the field when defended by Sexton. Simply put, Sexton isn’t nicknamed “Young Bull” for nothing.
The Wolves could use another defenseman, which would make Sexton an ideal fit, especially with his offensive skills.
How a Sexton Transaction Can Happen
As a first-tax apron team, pulling off a trade for Minnesota will be difficult. In Sexton’s case, however, combining Conley and Dillingham’s salaries would almost get them there. The Wolves could pull this off by using one of their trade exceptions – something I only see them doing in a scenario like this if they are close to their desired salary figure.
There are a few things you should pay attention to. First, it’s worth wondering if the Wolves would part ways with Conley given his importance to the team as a veteran leader. Nevertheless, Jake Fischer has done that before mentioned this as a possibilityso I wouldn’t rule it out. Another reasonable concern is whether Sexton’s price would really be that low.
Despite his value on the field, I think that could be the case. That offseason, Sexton and a second-round pick were traded to the Hornets in exchange for Jusuf Nurkic (who was seen as a negative asset at the time). With Sexton set to enter free agency this summer, it’s possible that a deal involving Conley, Dillingham and perhaps some form of draft capital could get the job done. Now Sexton’s impending free agency complicates matters for the Timberwolves.
Still, there’s no denying that he would be a great fit for the Wolves, and if Minnesota makes a big move, it’s reasonable to expect it would be for Sexton as well.
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