The Wolves’ lack of action last week before the deadline was not due a lack of motivation. The problem with moving anyone of significance had more to do with this roster’s poor combination of aging big man talent (Randle + Gobert) and their difficult-to-move contracts.

President of basketball operations Tim Connelly still did his best to make a third blockbuster deal of his still-young tenure in Minnesota happen. In fact, after the trade deadline passed, reports surfaced that before negotiations fell through, the Wolves had discussed what would have been an absolutely massive trade with the Phoenix Suns that would have landed Kevin Durant in the Twin Cities.

How close did Minnesota Timberwolves get to landing Kevin Durant?

How far down the negotiating rabbit hole did the Wolves and Suns really get, though? According to Darren “Doogie” Wolfson (KSTP) on the most recent episode of Mackey & Judd (SKOR North), they never got all that close to actually inking the deal.

I guess that opinion is in the eye of the beholder, however, because the two luxury tax burdened NBA organizations got far enough into Durant trade talks that the Wolves started scrambling their salary cap experts to see what it would take to convert Jaylen Clark’s two-way contract into a standard NBA contract.

Why? According to Doogie (below), the Wolves would have needed Clark on a standard contract, in order to legally facilitate a possible deal for KD. And while deadline negotiations for Durant eventually fell through, Doogie says “we know” the Minnesota Timberwolves will continue their pursuit of Kevin Durant this offseason.

“I don’t sense [talks between the Suns and Wolves] ever got remotely close. But here’s what’s interesting. The Wolves, behind the scenes, were doing all sorts of due diligence thinking, planning as if they were going to land Kevin Durant. So multiple players were going to be moved from here.

It got as far as dialogue about converting Jaylen Clark’s two-way contract to a standard deal, to get up to the number of players you need on standard NBA contracts. So the Wolves were doing all sorts of work behind the scenes anticipating they were going to land KD.

Bottom line, we know this summer, especially now with Tim Connelly — I’m telling you, I would be shocked if he goes elsewhere [now that Lore and A-Rod won arbitration] — with this front office in place, the Wolves are going to continue their pursuit of Kevin Durant, come this summer.”

Darren Wolfson – Mackey & Judd Show (SKOR North)

On Monday, we finally got our long awaited answer to questions regarding the Minnesota Timberwolves future ownership. Unless blocked by the NBA Board of Governors — they need 23 of 30 owners (>75%) to approve their majority purchase — Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez will soon become the majority owners of the Wolves and Lynx franchises.

Durant to Minnesota inevitable…?

Will the change in ownership increase or decrease the likelihood of landing Kevin Durant this offseason? It helps their chances, without a doubt. Why? Well first, it’s worth noting that a trade for KD wouldn’t involve extra salary, being the Timberwolves cannot complete trades that bring in more money.

Report: Mavs Engaged Timberwolves in Luka Doncic Trade Talks

But most of all, we know that Lore and A-Rod are going to want to have a splashy offseason full of positive headlines. Finding a way to drop Randle form the roster, in exchange for Durant would light the fanbase on fire before the start of the 2026 season.

All NBA insiders have already acknowledged that the Suns plan to move KD this offseason, so it’s just a matter of whether or not the Minnesota Timberwolves provide a package to the Suns’ liking and Durant wants to come play with his little bro, Anthony Edwards.

With Luka Doncic getting traded in a shocking move, it’s clear that no one is untouchable in today’s NBA. So, what does that mean for the Timberwolves as the trade deadline approaches?

Minnesota Timberwolves to more than likely keep Julius Randle through the trade deadline

Right before the season started, the Minnesota Timberwolves executed a shocking trade, sending longtime franchise player Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo. So far, however, the move hasn’t paid off. Both newcomers struggle to make a significant impact, particularly Randle.

Julius Randle has been a disappointment this season, and has a player option after this year. Plenty of people expect him to be on the move at the trade deadline, but as things stand, that doesn’t seem to be happening. At least, that’s what they want us to believe.

Related: Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards Named to NBA All-Star Roster 

According to local insiders Jon Krawczynski and Darren Wolfson, the Timberwolves don’t seem likely to make a move, at least when it comes to Julius Randle.

There isn’t much of one for a player with a $33 million option on his deal for next year. If the Wolves wanted to move Randle, they would likely have to incentivize another team to take him, and they’re not interested in that. The groin injury that could keep him out through the All-Star break doesn’t help matters.

Trading him now would also almost certainly make them a worse team in the short term, and they don’t have their first-round pick in the draft so the benefit of a mini-tank is not there. Sorry Wolves fans, but they like Randle more than you do.

If things hold as they are right now, I don’t see a move happening. Salary dumping Randle doesn’t make sense for their goals this season.

Jon Krawczynski – TheAthletic

Krawczynski highlights that Randle’s contract poses a problem for trading him. The Minnesota Timberwolves would need to sweeten the deal to offload him, which isn’t worth it for them. He also argues convincingly that, considering the Wolves’ short-term goals, moving Randle this season makes little sense. Instead, they should stick with him and aim for a playoff push.

No real steam on Julius Randle being traded

Also, according to local insider Darren Wolfson, there hasn’t been any real buzz about the Timberwolves trading Julius Randle. In fact, he’d bet that Randle remains with the team beyond the trade deadline.

I’m not saying there’s a 0% chance, Phil, because Julius Randle’s name has clearly come up. But looking back over the past couple of weeks, I just haven’t heard any real, legit buzz. So, my bet right now is that Randle will still be here on Friday. The groin strain certainly doesn’t help.

Darren Wolfson – SKOR North

Wolfson noted that Randle’s name has been circulating in trade talks, but he doubts anything substantial has developed yet. He also made a strong point about Randle’s recent injury; it won’t keep him out for long, but the timing is awful, coming just before the trade deadline.

The NBA is a business at the end of the day

This season, NBA fans have learned a crucial lesson: no player is truly off-limits. Karl-Anthony Towns was traded unexpectedly, shocking everyone. Then, just this past weekend, Luka Doncic, thought by many to be untouchable, was also dealt. It’s evident now that anyone can be moved in this league.

Related: Minnesota Timberwolves Eyeing Blockbuster Trade For All-Star Point Guard

The league is all about business, and teams aren’t shy about taking risks. Just something to remember as we head into the final days before the trade deadline.

We used to complain about Towns’ one out-of-control, dribble-drive move; now we complain about Julius Randle’s perpetually loose handle. Now Towns is starting in an NBA All-Star Game that Julius Randle won’t garnish an invitation.

Meanwhile, Mike Conley Jr. and Rudy Gobert are shells of their younger selves, and we are all still waiting for Jaden McDaniels – who is still inconsistent offensively – to blossom like he was once projected to.

Minnesota Timberwolves insiders downplay Julius Randle trade rumors

Much like the Minnesota Wild, the Timberwolves are deep in salary cap hell. That’s why Towns is now in New York and Julius Randle is here. Minnesota is in the second apron of the salary cap luxury tax as a result, and can’t take on money in a trade.

That makes the chances Randle gets dealt before the NBA trade deadline on Feb. 6 unlikely, according to multiple reports, including this from local insider Darren Wolfson (KSTP) on the Mackey & Judd Show (SKOR North).

I haven’t heard of a whole lot of Julius Randle trade interest. I just haven’t. Not poo-pooing the idea completely, but right now, just haven’t heard a whole lot of steam on that front.”

-Darren Wolfson – Mackey & Judd Show (SKOR North)

Related: Anthony Edwards Rips Timberwolves Starters; Reveals Two Recurring Flaws

Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic is hearing the same kind of things, and believes the Minnesota Timberwolves should and likely will “stand pat” at the NBA trade deadline, due to the multitude of restrictions they are under, as a 2nd apron luxury tax team. What about that Julius Randle trade? It’s not even on the Wolves insider’s radar.

The problem is they are a second-apron team, which severely restricts their ability to make trades. They also don’t have a ton of ammunition to make offers, so the likelihood of landing an impact player is low. Yes, the Julius Randle fit has been awkward, but I think there are bigger problems the Wolves have to solve.

I don’t see a trade out there that makes the Wolves markedly better or a sell move that drastically improves their position going forward without them incentivizing a team to help them. It may not be popular, but it may be what makes the most sense.

-Jon Krawczynski, The Athletic (subscription required)

Why is trading Randle so difficult?

The reason why the Minnesota Timberwolves can’t find a trade partner for Julius Randle isn’t only because of the salary situation. It’s because Randle has mostly stunk. Last season he averaged 24 points per game. This year he’s scoring 19. He’s taken almost four fewer two-point attempts per game and is getting to the foul line less as a result.

Related: Rumor: Julius Randle Disgruntled After Timberwolves Cut His Minutes

Randle is also bad defensively, averaging 113 points allowed per 100 possessions. That’s way worse than Karl-Anthony Towns’ 109 defensive rating. Randle is also collecting two fewer rebounds per game this season as well. He’s been picked on by Minnesota Timberwolves’ opponents so much in clutch time he’s sitting more in the fourth quarter, too.

This is the new normal for Minnesota Timberwolves fans and could be next season as well. Randle has a player option worth more than $33 million next year. Given how he’s played, it wouldn’t be surprising if he picked up that option.

But as our 23-year-old superstar evolves into the prime of his career, so do his paychecks. That’s why KAT was traded to New York in the first place. Both Glen Taylor and Marc Lore – either of which could be the team’s owner by season’s-end – once talked big about writing insane luxury tax checks to keep KAT and Ant together.

Minnesota Timberwolves receiving lots of trade calls on Nickeil Alexander-Walker

Looking back, it’s clear neither was going to pay that insane bill. In fact, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Minnesota Timberwolves president of basketball operations, Tim Connelly, try to shed more luxury tax penalties, prior to the February 6 NBA trade deadline. That’s why his phone is still ringing with trade offers for key players like Nickeil Alexander-Walker.

Teams have been calling the Timberwolves about Nickeil Alexander-Walker ahead of the trade deadline, per source.

Minnesota currently has zero interest in moving Alexander-Walker, an upcoming unrestricted free agent, but executives know about Minnesota’s looming financial crunch. pic.twitter.com/fCbru1SA5O

— Evan Sidery (@esidery) January 17, 2025

Teams have been calling the Timberwolves about Nickeil Alexander-Walker ahead of the trade deadline, per source. Minnesota currently has zero interest in moving Alexander-Walker, an upcoming unrestricted free agent, but executives know about Minnesota’s looming financial crunch.

Forbes NBA Insider Evan Sidery – Tweet above

Nickeil Alexander-Walker has been a crucial rotation piece for the Minnesota Timberwolves since he arrived via trade from Utah at the 2022-23 NBA trade deadline. This season the 26-year-old out of Virginia Tech is averaging 8.6 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.4 points on 22.9 minutes per game.

Not only is NAW arguably the Wolves’ best wing defender, but at 42% from deep, he might be their best 3-point shooter (behind Ant). Losing a versatile winning piece like Nickeil off the bench would be devastating to everything the Timberwolves do on both ends of the floor.

Watch Nickeil Alexander-Walker on this possession. He literally just checked in for the first time all game. Insane defender. pic.twitter.com/Wc6SNxoQSc

— Jake Paynting (@HowlsAndGrowls_) February 28, 2024

Why are Timberwolves taking calls to sell at NBA trade deadline?

And let’s be real…the Minnesota Timberwolves shouldn’t be trying to sell key pieces to their roster, right now. They are three games over .500, and they have one of the best players on the planet leading their team. Unfortunately, that’s their lot in life, as a second-apron luxury tax team.

Related: Anthony Edwards Rips Timberwolves Starters; Reveals Two Recurring Flaws

That’s why Connelly will continue to take calls on all Wolves’ talent that isn’t named Anthony Edwards. Alexander-Walker makes a lot of sense because he is due to become an unrestricted free agent after this season.

Technically, the Timberwolves could re-sign NAW. There is no salary cap rule stopping them. But Nickeil makes only $4.3 million this season. His next contract is going to be three to five times that, meaning the luxury tax penalties would be steep. A sixth-man, legitimate three-and-D wing makes a ton of money in today’s NBA.

"TWO WORDS. BLOCK PARTY.

ALEXANDER-WALKER. CASH."

Inject it into my veins pic.twitter.com/fB6vNCcpff

— Wolves Lead (@TWolvesLead) December 7, 2024

So you can see why other teams are calling on a pending UFA like NAW. The Minnesota Timberwolves are likely going to lose him for nothing at the end of the season. Other front offices know that so they are trying to swoop in early. Will Connelly get an offer on NAW or another key rotation piece that he just can’t refuse? We’ll see.

Other rotation players that make sense for teams to call on

There are multiple trade candidates on the Timberwolves’ roster who could help ease luxury tax penalties if moved. Donte DiVincenzo has struggled since the Wolves traded for him before the start of the season. He’s making $11.5 million.

Joe Ingles doesn’t play at all and he is an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. He and his $2.2 million salary is probably as good as gone. Then, there is Julius Randle ($33 million) and Naz Reid ($14 million). Both big men have player options for 2025-26.

Rumor: Julius Randle Disgruntled After Timberwolves Cut His Minutes

Other teams would love to get their hands on Naz and the Minnesota Timberwolves would love to deal Randle. Neither is expected to happen until the offseason at the earliest. But Tim Connelly likes to move in silence, so a surprise move is never out of the question.

It’s been an incredibly difficult start for Minnesota. But of late, they’ve won three-straight and resemble something closer to the basketball team we saw go to the Western Conference Finals last summer…. but not really.

Minnesota Timberwolves win streak is a good sign… right?

The Wolves are +7.5 point underdogs tonight vs the Thunder because this team still has not recovered from splitting up Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns during the offseason. Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo — both acquired in the KAT trade — have not lived up to expectations, which has led to the Timberwolves’ underwhelming start to 2024-25.

I swear on my life I've never seen a basketball player more prone to this exact mistake than Julius Randle. Knicks fans don't even need to watch, they know what's coming.pic.twitter.com/GZQYRwhnxM

— Hot Hand Theory (@HotHandTheory) December 30, 2024

As the season advances towards the Feb. 6 NBA trade deadline, the Minnesota Timberwolves are one of many teams expected to be shopping for significant improvements. Given how things have gone thus far, Randle’s name is expected to be among the names being repeatedly entered into the trade machine over the next month+.

The freshly turned 30-year-old two-time All-NBA power forward is averaging 20.2 points, 7.0 rebounds and 4.4 assists, numbers that are down across the board vs what he has done the past four seasons — 266 games (2021-24): 23.3 PTS, 9.9 REB, 5.0 AST). But more importantly, this Randle + Wolves experiment isn’t working on or off the court.

Julius Randle for Jerami Grant?

Today, I stumbled upon this piece from a basketball writer named DC Hendrix (Sporting News), who suggested the Wolves rid themselves of Julius Randle by trading him to Portland for 30-year-old scorer Jerami Grant.

“There could be a move that could help both Randle and the Wolves get back on track. Minnesota could send Randle to the Portland Trail Blazers for high-volume scoring forward Jerami Grant. 

Both players have been associated with trade rumors all season long. Grant has been decent in Portland this year but would be able to score a bit more frequently playing alongside a player the caliber of Anthony Edwards because he demands so much attention. “

In other words, exploring a trade that lands a wing player who can help space the floor for a what is a very muddy Minnesota Timberwolves offense right now could be a win/win for everyone. And a quick google search will tell you that Hendrix is absolutely correct about how open to trading Grant the Blazers are.

HIGH OCTANE HOOPS pic.twitter.com/ifPMny36yb

— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) December 29, 2024

It took Jerami Grant a handful of years in the league before he was able to blossom into the 20 point scorer he is today, which is why he does not have near the accolades as Julius Randle, even though they are the same age. Last season, Grant averaged 21 points (.402% from 3PT), 3.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game for the Blazers.

This season, the former 2014 2nd round draft pick has not been quite as productive (remind you of someone else in this article?) posting 15 points, 3.6 rebounds an 2.3 assists per game. In theory, he’s the type of player who should complement superstar Anthony Edwards in a much more natural way than Randle does.

Is this trade feasible?

Same goes for Grant’s theoretical fit with Rudy Gobert. Unlike Randle, Grant has yet to make All-NBA or even an All-Star appearance. In 2024-25, Jerami Grant is making just over $29 million, Randle makes $33 million. Thus, a straight swap does work, according to the NBA trade machine.

Related: Former First Round Guard Linked to Minnesota Timberwolves

In conclusion, a trade between Randle and Grant does seem viable, if both teams are as motivated as they seem. Do the Minnesota Timberwolves like Jerami Grant? Would the Trail Blazers be interested in Julius Randle? Those are questions we cannot answer, as of now.

What we do know is that both teams are interested in being active at the deadline and both Randle and Grant are among the most likely names to be moved from both rosters. So if the rest lines up… why not. Grant is currently under contract until the 2027-28 season (player-option) after signing a five-year, $160 million deal in 2023.

Randle has a player option that he is likely to exercise at the end of the season. Could the Trail Blazers value the flexibility trading for Randle could bring them? It’s certainly not impossible.

Related: Can Monte Morris Cure Minnesota Timberwolves’ Playmaking, Maturity Problems?

In doing so, he also managed to send out the Wolves’ most obvious trade assets, Shake Milton and Troy Brown Jr (along with their 2030 2nd round pick). But now, the obvious question remains… what’s next? Is Connelly done wheeling and dealing or does he have more mid-season tricks up his sleeve.

There have been a few reports that have floated out liking the Timberwolves to specific bought out players, since the trade deadline passed Thursday afternoon.

Minnesota Timberwolves planning more move on buyout market?

The Wolves have two open spots on their 15-man active roster and $1.6 million left under the luxury tax threshold, following Wednesday’s trade. They’ve been carrying one open lost for awhile, but they’re expected to fill both soon.

“…this trade does not mean the Wolves are done dealing. They could look to add another player via trade or keep their powder dry for the buyout market that will open later this month. The Wolves still have a portion of their midlevel exception to sprinkle on top of the veteran’s minimum salary to entice any veteran shooter who has his contract bought out.”

Jon Krawczynski – The Athletic

Converting Luke Garza’s contract from a 2-way deal, into a full NBA contract, makes sense for one of the two open slots. Another option would be elevating Lance Stephenson, who’s been ripping up the G-League for weeks with the Iowa Wolves.

Related: Time for Timberwolves to Grow Up; Stop Crying About Refs

Buyout market candidates

Much more likely, though, is Tim Connelly & Co make another external addition to the roster, via the post-trade deadline buyout market. Some of the names that they have been linked to include Spencer Dinwiddie (who is reportedly on his way to Dallas), Evan Fournier, Marcus Morris, Furkan Korkmaz, and Joe Harris. Other names that they’ve been mentioned with recently who could be available include Kyle Lowry and Seth Curry,

New NBA Trade Deadline Targets – Minnesota Timberwolves

Three fresh names, Tre Jones (Spurs), Dennis Schröder (Raptors), and Dennis Smith Jr. (Nets), have surfaced as potential targets linked to the Timberwolves, according to a report that dropped Tuesday via insider Jon Krawczynski (The Athletic).

Related: Wolves Players Love Chris Finch and His Up-Front, Blunt Coaching Style

Tre Jones – San Antonio Spurs

Tre Jones — younger brother of Tyus Jones, who has been the subject of numerous Wolves trade reports recently (some more true than others) — has showcased talent that plays in the NBA and potential that he could eventually be much more than that.

With three years separating Tre and Tyus (both graduated from Apple Valley HS and attended Duke), Tre still has plenty of time to further develop his skills. This season for the San Antonio Spurs, Tre Jones is playing 26 minutes per game, averaging 9.7 points, 5.8 assists, and 3.2 rebounds.

“Jones’ brother, Tre, could be another possibility with the San Antonio Spurs nowhere close to competing this season.”

Jon Krawczynski – The Athletic

mj-esque move from tre jones pic.twitter.com/fDJurHYZLD

— Bala 💫 (@BalaPattySZN) February 4, 2024

Related: Wolves Eyeing Multiple Wizards and Pistons Guards at NBA Trade Deadline

Dennis Schröder – Toronto Raptors

Dennis Schröder has established a solid reputation in the NBA, having played for several teams including the Hawks, Thunder, Lakers, Celtics, before crossing the northern border to join the Toronto Raptors, where he’s averaging slightly over 30 minutes per game in 2023-24 and contributing 13.6 points, 6.2 assists, and 2.7 rebounds per game for the Raptors.

“Toronto’s Dennis Schröder and Kyle Lowry, who was recently traded from Miami to Charlotte, and likely will be moving on via trade or buyout are two other names on the radar. Finch coached Lowry for half of a season in Toronto…”

Jon Krawczynski – The Athletic

Denis Schroder 🔥#ThunderUp pic.twitter.com/raNhbGZhU5

— Oklahoma City Brasil 🇧🇷 (@oklahoma_br) May 30, 2020

Dennis Smith Jr. – Brooklyn Nets

Dennis Smith Jr., another point guard with experience across multiple NBA teams, including stints with the Mavericks, Knicks, Trail Blazers, Pistons, Hornets, and Nets. In his rookie season back in 2017, he started every game for the Dallas Mavericks. Since then, he has primarily served as a role player.

Related: Rap Legend 50 Cent Predicts Timberwolves Win NBA Championship

This season with the Brooklyn Nets, he’s averaging 7.3 points, 4 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game in just under 20 minutes per game. No doubt, Smith Jr would be an upgrade over Jordan McLaughin, which is ultimately what president of basketball operations Tim Connelly is searching for.

“Dennis Smith Jr. in Brooklyn is another combo guard that could fit what they need, while the Nets’ Royce O’Neale would give them another wing defender who has experience playing with Rudy Gobert.”

Jon Krawczynski – The Athletic

Dennis Smith Jr is the most underrated defender in the NBA pic.twitter.com/IdzRF8SyoI

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 4, 2024

Related: Every Player the Wolves Have Been Linked to Before NBA Trade Deadline

Most of the ‘insider reports’ that have surfaced over the last week or two have gone largely uncontested. In those reports, the Wolves have been linked to deadline assets like Monte Morris, Tyus Jones, Doug McDermott, Kyle Lowry, and a few others (see linked article above).

Timberwolves never offered four draft picks for Tyus Jones?

But Tuesday, one well-known local sports insider Darren ‘Doogie’ Wolfson (KSTP, SKOR North) went on the Mackey & Judd show for a his regular scoop session appearance, where he made it a point to discredit one of the most circulated Wolves trade deadline reports in recent days.

Wolfson says early on in the show, pretty vehemently, that a report via Matt Moore (Action Network) — which stated TWO trusted sources told Moore that Minnesota offered (4) second-round picks to the Washington Wizards for Tyus Jones — are “100% false”.

Not only did that multi-pick offer never happen, but Doogie reiterates something he’s said previously, regarding a possible Wolves + Tyus reunion, that it’s highly unlikely no matter how much sense it might make in theory.

Mackey: “How possible is Tyus Jones?”

Wolfson: “Not very possible at all. In fact, that one report about the offer for four 2nd round picks [was] 100% false, that I can tell you.”

Doogie goes on to talk about how the Wolves have had conversations with the Wizards about Tyus Jones, among others, including his backcourt partner Delon Wright. Wolfson notes that Tyus still has fans inside the organization and that he might be the perfect fit, if Tim Connelly could could find a way to get it done.

Related: Timberwolves Eyeing Multiple Wizards and Pistons Guards at NBA Trade Deadline

But the Wizards aren’t in a hurry to move Jones, unless they get the 1st round offer they’ve been asking for. Executives and coaches like him in DC and he likes a lot of things about being with the Wizards, including his starting role, which would not be available with the Timberwolves, at least this season.

Minnesota Timberwolves still expected to do something

Don’t let Wolfson’s truth bomb on Moore’s false report fool you into thinking the Timberwolves might not do anything. He expects Tim Connelly to get something done sometime in the next 48-50 hours, prior to the trade deadline hitting on Thursday afternoon.

“If you look at their sheet for next year, they’re a 2nd apron team, or 1st apron, I don’t want to get into the menusia. They will be limited in terms of roster flexibility and maneuverability next year. This is their last great chance to really do some things. That’s why, again, I will be surprised if they do nothing. That championship window is open, you need to strike. It’s just delicate, in terms of [any potential trade needing to be] close to dollar for dollar [on money going in and money going out].”

Darren Wolfson – Mackey & Judd Show (SKOR North)

Minnesota Timberwolves eyeing Pistons & Wizards guards

But Tyus Jones and Monte Morris aren’t the only targets president of basketball operations Tim Connelly is currently talking to the Wizards and Pistons about. Conversations with those front offices, according to Michael Scotto (HoopsHype), have also centered around both teams’ other backcourt options, Alec Burks and Delon Wright.

Minnesota has expressed trade interest in Tyus Jones, Monte Morris, and Bones Hyland, league sources told HoopsHype. Those trade targets were first reported by Yahoo Sports.

The Timberwolves have also expressed interest in guards Delon Wright and Alec Burks, league sources told HoopsHype.

Michael Scotto – HoopsHype

Related: Rap Legend 50 Cent Predicts Minnesota Timberwolves Win NBA Championship

New Wolves Trade Deadline Targets: Alec Burks and Delon Wright

Coming off a red-hot month of January (17.4 points (40% from 3pt), 3.0 rebounds, and 2.1 assists over 15 games), Detroit Pistons’ guard Alec Burks demonstrated to Connelly and other league executives that the 32-year-old Burks is the perfect trade deadline target for any buying club that needs an outside shooter at the deadline (like the Wolves).

Three the hard way for Alec Burks 💪#DetroitBasketball pic.twitter.com/x84RC539IY

— Bally Sports Detroit (@BallySportsDET) February 4, 2024

Like Tyus Jones, Delon Wright has been one of only a few bright spots in a brutal 1st half for the Washington Wizards. In just over 15 minutes per game, Wright is averaging 4.4 points, 2.8 assists, and 2 rebounds per game.

He isn’t the regular contributor that other confirmed Connelly trade targets project to be but Wright maintains a three-point shooting percentage of slightly over 37% and he’d probably boost the Timberwolves’ roster as a legitimate perimeter threat.

DELON WRIGHT EMPATA O JOGO PRO WASHINGTON WIZARDS 🥶🥶#DCAboveAll pic.twitter.com/u1SUmZtDhm

— AirBall Brasil | NBA (@BrasilAirball) March 5, 2023

Tim Connelly working Detroit Pistons and Washington Wizards

Tyus Jones and Monte Morris have been linked with the Timberwolves for the past few weeks, with Tyus Jones emerging as the most ideal target for the team as the trade deadline approaches. However, recent reports indicate that the Wizards are demanding a first round pick, and won’t accept anything less, no matter how many 2nd rounders Tim Connelly throws at them.

Unfortunately, the Timberwolves are unable to offer any first-round picks for Jones, or any other deadline target, due to the previous trade involving Rudy Gobert (Stepien Rule). This raises questions about what assets the Timberwolves are willing to part with, in exchange for Jones, Morris or others, if the cost is more than 2nd round picks?

According to Scotto, Connelly is willing to part with rookie Wendell Moore Jr, along with previously reported NBA caliber trade block assets, Shake Milton and Troy Brown Jr.

So who could be on the move if Minnesota lands that coveted backup point guard? Rival executives are monitoring Timberwolves bench players Wendell Moore Jr., Shake Milton, and Troy Brown Jr. as potential trade candidates heading into Thursday’s deadline.

Michael Scotto – HoopsHype

Related: Every Player the Minnesota Timberwolves Have Been Linked to Before NBA Trade Deadline

As the Tim Connelly aims to make strategic moves at the NBA trade deadline, to strengthen the Minnesota Timberwolves roster, it’s clear this is an organization that sees itself as a top team in the the Western Conference and a real NBA Finals contender. Just like 50 Cent believes they are.

Related: Every Player the Wolves Have Been Linked to Leading Up to NBA Trade Deadline

Monte Morris knocking down the open three

pic.twitter.com/Msb6HYdvf8

— Pistons Talk (@Pistons__Talk) January 28, 2024

Minnesota Timberwolves Pushing Hard for Monte Morris

In an article released Monday by The Athletic, NBA insider James Edwards discussed potential trade scenarios for a struggling Detroit Pistons team ahead of the deadline. In his report, James says that of all teams who have checked in on Morris so far, it’s the Timberwolves who are currently showing the most interest.

“Rival teams continue to be interested in Pistons guard Monté Morris, per league sources. The Timberwolves are one of the teams with the most interest. Minnesota, per league sources, tried to trade for Morris when he was in Washington prior to Detroit. The Pistons, though, also value what Morris brings to the table as a veteran guard who takes care of the ball and can shoot. Morris just returned from injuries that forced him to miss the first 43 games of the season.”

James Edwards – The Athletic

Tim Connelly trying to buy low on former Nugget

Morris, who has recently returned to the Pistons rotation after being sidelined for most of the first half recovering from injury, has played in only six games this season. He’s averaged only 11.3 minutes per game, since his return, posting 4.5 PPG and 1.3 APG as he tries to find his rhythm again. Monte averaged nearly 30 minutes per game in his final season in Denver with Tim Connelly steering the ship.

A Monte Morris steal leads to an Ausar Thompson JAM!#DetroitBasketball pic.twitter.com/YguOuglYB7

— Bally Sports Detroit (@BallySportsDET) January 28, 2024

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Acquiring the former Iowa State Cyclone would provide the Timberwolves with valuable depth at the point guard position, something they’re desperately searching for. One report over the weekend said Connelly has already tried offering FOUR 2nd round picks to the Washington Wizards point guard, and ‘one of us’, Tyus Jones.

Morris was selected with the 51st overall pick (2nd round) by the Denver Nuggets in the 2017 NBA draft and was 1st team All-Big 12 in 2017. In his NBA career, he is averaging 10.4 points, 4 assists, 2.5 rebounds and 47.9% from the field (38.9% 3PT), in 25.4 minutes per game.