Timberwolves Interested in Gordon Hayward and Doug McDermott, Especially Post Trade Deadline

With the February 8th trade deadline approaching, the Minnesota Timberwolves are very likely to make a move. After defeating the Thunder on Monday night, they have surged to the top spot in the Western conference. Nonetheless, the Timberwolves could benefit from acquiring a shooter or a backup point guard to boost their roster as the postseason draws near.

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In a tough loss against the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday night, Doug McDermott emerged as a key player, sinking crucial three-pointers to seal the win. According to Darren Wolfson (KSTP) on the Mackey and Judd Show (SKOR North), McDermott is a player the Wolves have their eye on, despite the significant value of his contract.

Timberwolves interested in McDermott, Hayward, possibly others

McDermott’s contract could make him difficult to trade, though, which would make Dougy McBuckets another buyout option on what could be a rather big name post-trade deadline market. A market that Doogie says could also include Charlotte Bobcats wing, Gordon Hayward.

“I was told by somebody the other day that [the Timberwolves] really like Doug McDermott of the San Antonio Spurs.”

“That’s what the Wolves are looking for, is three-point shooting, as much as anything. Now, he makes a good amount of money, $13.7 million, so that might be a buyout situation. Remember, there are teams, you know, first apron, that can’t sign a guy like Doug McDermott if he hits the buyout market. Now, Gordon Hayward, that’s another guy who I’m told the Wolves like… hey, why wouldn’t they, right? Like, if Gordon Hayward hits the buyout market, every team that can sign him will make the phone call.

Darren Wolfson – Mackey & Judd (SKOR North)

Wolfson also mentions Luke Kennard from the Grizzlies, Monte Morris from the Pistons, and Royce O’Neale as potential targets. Wolfson also highlights Jordan McLaughlin, indicating that the Timberwolves highly value him, which may affect their pursuit of a backup point guard. Ultimately, shooting remains the primary focus for the Timberwolves.

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“There are others like Luke Kennard of Memphis, Monte Morris, but I don’t think they’re married like a lot of people feel like they’re married to this idea that the Wolves need to bring in a backup point guard. They value Jordan McLaughlin, heck, he had a really good game last night. It’s not necessarily a point guard. Could it be a point guard? Sure. But more than anything, I’m led to believe they are looking for shooting. Now, Monty Morris can shoot, so yeah, do I think he’s on their radar? Yes. But it could also be somebody with a little bit more size, whether it’s an O’Neal or a McDermott.”

Darren Wolfson – Mackey & Judd (SKOR North)

We’ve been hearing a lot of these names for a few weeks now, and it seems highly likely that the Timberwolves will be actively pursuing these players. Now, what would it require for the Timberwolves to acquire another piece? According to an ESPN report and Wolfson, it won’t be anything too extravagant.

What would the Timberwolves need to offer in exchange for a return? Judd posed the question to Wolfson, inquiring about potential assets if the Wolves were to acquire McDermott. Wolfson indicated that if McDermott were the target, it would likely result in a buyout.

After watching him beat them up last night, Doogie is confident that Connelly & Co would love to have McDermott on their bench, reinterring again, “Doug McDermott would be one name I would keep an eye on.”

Who/What are Minnesota Timberwolves looking to deal?

Kyle Anderson could be a guy that the Wolves are forced to move, if they really covet someone and need to move a valuable trade asset to get it done. But Finch loves Anderson and what he brings to the team both on and off the floor so moving him is unlikely. Shake Milton, however, seems as good as gone.

“Like, you’re moving Shake Milton. I mean, we saw it last night, right? Out of the rotation yet again. Like, trust me, Shake Milton is absolutely available. I think deep down he would welcome a change of scenery.”

Darren Wolfson – Mackey & Judd (SKOR North)

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Wolfson also suggests that teams may consider G League prospects like Wendell Moore Jr. and their 2nd round pick from the Memphis or Washington as potential trade chips that other teams will find valuable. If needed, they could seriously consider trading Josh Minott or Leonard Miller, too.

Brian Windhorst, a well known ESPN NBA insider released who could be traded from each team. The two available names for the Timberwolves? Troy Brown Jr. and Shake Milton. ClutchPoints says Kyle Anderson is more likely to be moved than Wolfson believes.

“The Wolves could use an extra guard, but they have no tradable first-round picks and are facing a salary squeeze this summer. Milton and Brown, free agent signings last summer, don’t have much of a market, and the Wolves are likely to stand pat. Minnesota may be more involved in the buyout market with an open roster spot and about $2 million in room below tax.”

Brian Windhorst – ESPN

Windhorst additionally suggests that the Wolves might find the buyout market intriguing and could explore it if a significant name becomes available. In any case, with the trade deadline looming just a week away, it’s highly likely that the Timberwolves will make a move to boost their roster for the playoffs.