MN Timberwolves Cooking Up a Surprise for Draft Night?

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Minnesota Timberwolves trade rumors - Mar 7, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama guard Labaron Philon Jr. (0) waits for the second half to begin in the game with
Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Unless the Minnesota Timberwolves trade their first round pick in some blockbuster between now and Monday, it should be a relatively quiet 2026 NBA Draft for Tim Connelly and the rest of the front office.

The Wolves’ first pick isn’t until No. 28 overall and they only have two selections, in total. Even if Connelly did want to make a deal, like the one he completed to move up for Rob Dillingham two years ago, the only additional first rounder they have to trade away is all the way in 2033.

Minnesota Timberwolves hosting surprise NBA Draft prospect

That’s why it raised eyebrows around the NBA on Saturday when The Athletic insider Jon Krawczynski reported that the Wolves have scheduled a pre-draft workout at Mayo Clinic Square with Alabama point guard Labaron Philon Jr., who’s supposed to be off the board in the first 15 picks Monday night.

The only thing holding Labaron Philon Jr. back from being a top 10 draft pick next week is his slight of frame, at 6’4″ 177 lbs. But it’s tough not to fall in love with him, watching back his sophomore tape at Alabama.

What would Wolves be getting with Labaron Philon Jr.?

He’s crafty off the dribble and can hit from the outside. Philon can play fast but may be even better when he slows things down in the halfcourt.

In his second and final season with the Crimson Tide, the Mobile, AL earned All-SEC, averaging 22 points, 5 assists and 3.5 rebounds per game.

Related: New MN Timberwolves Trade Target Revealed

Oh, and he can play some defense too. During his two years at Alabama, Philon Jr. put up 1.3 steals per game while only turning it over 2.1 times per game.

According to Tankathon.com, Philon Jr. is going No.13 overall to the Miami Heat. That’s 15 picks ahead of when the Minnesota Timberwolves are scheduled to make their first selection of the night.

Connelly cooking or Philon dropping…?

Does that mean Philon is about to tumble down the draft board on Monday night… or does it mean Tim Connelly is cooking up some sort of blockbuster trade up, like he did in 2024 for Dillingham?

If it’s the latter, hopefully Tim is seeing things more clearly than he was back then. Jon K was asked that same question on X. He believes it’s more likely the Alabama superstar falls, at least closer to where the Wolves are scheduled to pick at No. 28.

Of course, you can never know for sure with Connelly.

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