The Minnesota Timberwolves feel ready to take a step forward before the February 5 trade deadline. While much of the buzz is currently surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo, I think a move around the edges is more likely given the Wolves’ lack of draft capital and high payroll costs. The Wolves’ guard depth will be the most likely area they look to upgrade before the deadline.
Minnesota has been linked to several guards, with the team’s focus on mid-range or low-paid players. Based on recent reporting from Michael Scotto of Hoops HypeCoby White, Collin Sexton and Ayo Dosunmu are three names to keep an eye on. He also indicated that the Wolves won’t trade Donte DiVincenzo, Naz Reid or Jaden McDaniels unless it’s for a star.
In addition to Scotto’s reporting, Jake Fischer reported that the Wolves are “not keen” on trading Mike Conley. Given these reports, trading for Sexton or White is unlikely (unless something changes), leaving Dosunmu as the most logical trade target to solve the Wolves’ guard problem.
Dosunmu is an ideal fit for the Wolves
Listen, I’d be open to trading Conley (especially for Sexton), and maybe they still will. Nevertheless, as things stand, this doesn’t seem like the most likely outcome, and given the guards we know Minnesota is interested in, Dosunmu is the most likely target.
It’s fair to want a bigger move, but there’s no denying Dosunmu has the ideal skillset for Wolves’ needs. Dosunmu is more of a combo guard than a pure point guard. He is a knockdown 3-point shooter and has hit 44.5 percent of his triples this season. Additionally, Dosunmu provides a strong impact as a perimeter defender. As noted, he isn’t a classic lead point guard, but he is still a reliable playmaker and ball handler.
Honestly, I don’t think the Wolves need a huge trade to mount another deep playoff run (and maybe even get over the championship hump). Minnesota ranks in the top 10 for both offensive and defensive ratings – which is a clear sign that they are title contenders. Moreover, they also have plenty of star power with Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle. Their top six overall is championship caliber and they are a proven playoff team.
Simply upgrading their guard depth could set the Wolves up for another deep playoff run. A package around Rob Dillingham, Terrence Shannon Jr. and some second-round picks could tempt the Bulls, who could be on the cusp of rebuilding.
Ultimately, Dosunmu is an obvious target for the Wolves before the deadline, and at the moment he seems the most realistic addition on the market.
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