Thus, it might be a bit early to start thinking about what projects to be a very intriguing offseason for this organization. Nonetheless, there are some bits of news that need to be addressed, no matter the time of year, especially when it addresses rumors of a possible Kevin Durant trade.

Kevin Durant is easily one of the greatest scorers the game has ever seen, and there’s no doubt he’s a first-ballot Hall of Famer. For the past year — in large part thanks to his budding relationship with Wolves superstar Anthony Edwards — there has been chatter of a possible match between the Suns and Timberwolves, as trade partners in a deal that would include Durant.

How much will Kevin Durant cost the Minnesota Timberwolves in a trade?

In fact, post NBA trade deadline reports revealed recently that Minnesota got closer to trading for Durant earlier this month, than what was originally thought. We know KD wasn’t happy about being kicked around in trade talks, even using his no-trade clause to veto a deal that would have landed him back in Golden State.

But on Monday, Suns insider Duane Rankin (The Arizona Republic), reported that Durant has all but accepted the reality of an offseason trade this summer/fall. Then, Rankins revealed Phoenix’s “ideal” asking price for Kevin Durant, when that time comes — (3) first round picks and a young player

Sources informed The Arizona Republic that Durant’s camp was upset Phoenix put him in trade talks before the 2025 deadline last month as he rejected a move back to Golden State where he won back-to-back NBA titles and finals MVPs.

However, between the Suns having already looked to move Durant, him publicly saying he understood it and his camp taking issue with those talks, it’s hard to see him staying in Phoenix beyond this season.

Sources informed The Republic the most ideal return on a Durant trade is regaining three first-round picks and a young player as part of a multi-team deal tied to getting under the second apron.

Duane Rankin – azcentral.com

Whoa… that’s a lot of draft picks

Three first round picks seems like an awfully steep price to pay for a 36-year-old former MVP, especially when you consider the lack of future draft capital the Minnesota Timberwolves have at their disposal:

• 2025 1st Round Pick — from Detroit (protected 1-13)
• 2026 1st Round Pick Swap — Jazz
• 2028 1st Round Pick
• 2030 1st Round Pick Swap — Spurs.

The Timberwolves have a shot at making this deal happen, maybe by including a young player like Terrance Shannon Jr, Rob Dillingham, or Jaylen Clark. But if the Suns stick to their guns, I can’t imagine a scenario where Kevin Durant lands in Minnesota for three first round picks, plus more.

Related: Anthony Edwards New Shoes Leaked

Still, seeing Kevin Durant finish his legendary career in Minnesota would be something special. Even at this stage in his career, his box scores have yet to slow down. KD is still putting up 26.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game.

Pairing Anthony Edwards with his basketball idol would give the MN Timberwolves one of the best frontcourts in the league and put them in the conversation for the 2025-26 NBA Finals. So… stay tuned.

That doesn’t mean the unpredictable Wolves PoBO wasn’t trying to be active at the deadline, though. According to reports that broke in the days following the deadline, we found out that Tim got way closer than most thought, in trying to swing a last-second deal to land Kevin Durant.

Ultimately, the deal could not be consummated. Nonetheless, steam has continued to percolate surrounding arguably the greatest all-around shooter in NBA history, and where he will play in 2025-26. There are other teams rumored to be interested in Durant, but one thing seems to be for sure. He won’t be in Phoenix after this season.

More Kevin Durant to Minnesota Timberwolves steam…

There are a lot of plugged in reporters who cover the National Basketball Association, but few insiders are more connected than ESPN’s Brian Windhorst. That’s why it was very notable on Thursday morning, when Mr. Finger-Waving Meme himself made a point on ESPN’s Get Up to mention the Minnesota Timberwolves as a “small-market team to watch” in the Kevin Durant sweepstakes this offseason.

.@WindhorstESPN says the Timberwolves may try to pair Kevin Durant and Anthony Edwards together this offseason 😯 pic.twitter.com/4YHvakFCil

— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) March 6, 2025

“Another small-market team to watch, Minnesota Timberwolves. Ant Edwards and KD, very tight connection. Which, also from the Olympics. The Timberwolves tried to pull off a crazy trade at the deadline for KD. Look for them to revisit those talks this summer.”

Brian Windhorst (ESPN)

Related: Timberwolves Sign Former Tim Connelly Draft Pick; Reward Jaylen Clark

A deal for Kevin Durant would have to involve Julius Randle being shipped out. In all likelihood, the real toll that will be paid for Durant will be a promising rookie like Rob Dillingham and/or established talent like Jaden McDaniels.

While adding Kevin Durant would make the Minnesota Timberwolves an immediate title contender, that is still a steep price to pay for a 37-year-old aging superstar, with limited time remaining on his very expensive deal.

What does Kevin Durant have left in the tank?

KD isn’t just any aging veteran, though. He’s a future Hall of Fame, with a pair of NBA Championship rings. Not only that, but he is the idol of Wolves rising superstar Anthony Edwards, who could use some offensive help on the floor and just as much mentoring off of it.

Through 49 games this season, Kevin Durant is averaging 26.9 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game. If KD is on the decline, don’t tell that to his 36.8 minutes per game this season, which remains nearly the exact same as his career average (36.7 MPG). In fact, all of his averages this season are consistent with his career numbers.

As of now anyway, Durant remains every bit the superstar he has always been. The problem in Phoenix this season surround poor roster, not a decline in Kevin Durant’s play. Fortunately for the Timberwolves, who have their own luxury tax issues, they may be able to benefit from the Suns’ front office missteps.

Durant to MN Timberwolves would give Anthony Edwards a real running mate

If there’s a way to motivate Anthony Edwards to another level, involving one of his favorite players is probably a good plan. Edwards has not been shy about his affinity towards Durant, and the two have shared some big moments. Edwards made his presence felt against the Suns in the playoffs last season, and the two shared a uniform for Team USA.

“That’s my GOAT.” 👀@theantedwards_ shares what it was like going back and forth with @KDTrey5 in the Playoffs. pic.twitter.com/bjcw5nc5o5

— UNINTERRUPTED (@uninterrupted) March 2, 2025

Anthony Edwards is averaging a career-high 27.5 points per game this season. He is shooting 43.9% from the field and 40.6% from deep. His 10.2 three-point attempts per game are a career-high, and he has taken the deep shot ability to a new level.

Related: Report: Timberwolves Big Man Seeking New Contract This Offseason

Paired with Durant during a full season, the duo could easily feed off one another. Durant’s experience and veteran presence would certainly elevate the roster as a whole. If the Timberwolves could net him without losing Naz Reid or Jaden McDaniels, the rotation remains in a really great spot as well.

It’s not often that a Minnesota team gets to lean into superstar trade possibilities, but this is one that makes sense and would be a lot of fun. After coming close to the NBA Finals last season, a return trip would be the bar if Durant is on the roster.

Related: 3 Minnesota Timberwolves Problems Solved vs the Nuggets

The Minnesota Timberwolves’ spacing problem

The loss of Karl-Anthony Towns and the arrival of Randle has had a predictable impact. Minnesota’s lack of spacing takes away driving lanes for Anthony Edwards. It’s why the Timberwolves shoot the eighth-worst percentage on drives to the basket (45.5 percent). Last season they were top-10 (50.1 percent). Edwards often has to beat three players en route to the rim now.

You could argue that Naz Reid should be starting over Randle. Reid helps spread the floor and is basically the same player as Randle based on net rating, except he’s the better ball handler, the better rebounder, and the better shooter. But ESPN’s Kevin Pelton has floated a Julius Randle trade that would undoubtedly improve the Minnesota Timberwolves’ spacing.

Another possib[le fit for Jerami Grant] would be if the Timberwolves are interested in swapping Julius Randle for Grant in pursuit of improved floor spacing with their starting five. Portland could get out of Grant’s contract entirely if Randle declines his $29.5 million player option for 2025-26.

-Kevin Pelton, ESPN (subscription required)

Would the Timberwolves really start Jerami Grant over Naz Reid?

Why Pelton thinks Grant would start over Naz Reid, I don’t know. Grant has a net rating of -7.8 but he does shoot close to 38 percent from three. Reid shoots 41 percent, though. Grant also has a rebound percentage of five. Five! Reid rebounds at double that rate.

Even if Grant comes off the bench for Minnesota he’d provide better spacing given his three-point shooting. He shoots more than six per game, so teams would have to respect that threat. Paying Grant $34 million to come off the bench would be a bit wild, but if the Timberwolves can rehab Grant into a 20-point scorer again, they could flip him before next season.

Related: Does a Jerami Grant for Julius Randle Trade Make Sense for the Minnesota Timberwolves?

Jerami Grant improves the MN Timberwolves’ salary cap situation

A Julius Randle trade for Jerami Grant does allow the MN Timberwolves to stay above the salary cap for a bit longer. If Randle doesn’t pick up his $29.5-million player option for next season, Minnesota would be unable to add a max contract given their luxury tax status. These max contracts are like golden trade chips these days, so having one, even a bad one, ain’t so bad.

The Timberwolves do need to sign Naz Reid and impending free agent Nickeil Alexander-Walker. They have up to $8.78 million in trade exceptions available to sign Alexander-Walker. Perhaps Grant provides Minnesota the ability to stay above the luxury tax AND eventually sign Naz Reid long term.

Regardless, it would put a team on the floor that would benefit the Timberwolves’ superstar, Anthony Edwards. It is also projected to increase the Timberwolves’ win total by one this season, according to ESPN’s NBA Trade Machine.

We talked about 10 Julius Randle trades the ESPN NBA Trade Machine deemed successful on the latest live episode of Minnesota Foul Play-by-play. Jerami Grant wasn’t one of them, but there were at least a couple we liked. I didn’t like this one upon hearing it, but if it results in a long-term deal for Naz Reid, bring on Jerami Grant.

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.

Jimmy Butler with an extremely candid media session.

Said he wants his joy back on the court.

Asked if he can find that joy here, he replied "Probably not." pic.twitter.com/AwSLbstr4W

— Wes Goldberg (@wcgoldberg) January 3, 2025

Reporter: How did you feel about your performance and focus tonight?

Butler: I felt great. I was focused. Felt like I did my job well. At least what my job is now.

Reporter: When you say what your job is now, we’re not used to seeing you stand in the corner for extended periods like that. Is that a change in the team approach that has cast you that way? And for you to be your best version of yourself, can that be your role and can you thrive to the best of your ability?

Butler: It can be my role here. But that’s not what I’m used to. I haven’t been that since my first, second, third year in the league where I just went out there and just played defense. I competed. I guarded. I tried not to let my man score. That’s what I’m doing now.

Reporter: [Heat] Coach [Eric Spoelstra] was in here saying he wants to get you more at the point and get you more activated, is that something that you’re amenable to? Is that something that might be necessary to get you back closer to the top of your game and your form?

Butler: That ain’t gonna fix it. […]

Reporter: What will fix it? What do you want to see happen to fix it?

Butler: I want to see me get my joy back for playing basketball. Wherever that may be, we’ll find out here pretty soon. But I want to get my joy back. I’m happy here … off the court. But I want to be back to somewhere dominant. I want to hoop. I want to help this team win and right now I’m not doing that.

Reporter: Can you get your joy back [in Miami] on the court?

Butler: Probably not.

Related: The Minnesota Timberwolves Need to Make Another Blockbuster Trade

Butler does not shy away from speaking his heart, which has caused him to receive heat from the media in the past. We’ve seen this type of behavior from Butler when he wants to push his way out of a team.

In the 2017-18 NBA season, Jimmy Butler was an MVP-caliber player when he first arrived in Minnesota. The then-28-year-old dynamic guard averaged 22.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 2.0 steals all while shooting a 47.4 percent clip from the field — taking the Timberwolves to their first playoff appearance in 14 years.

Remember when Jimmy Butler ensued chaos within the Minnesota Timberwolves organization?

Butler seemed like a cornerstone piece alongside Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins, but a blow-up in the following season ended Jimmy’s time with the Timberwolves.

The former No. 30th overall pick was said to be “fed up” with KAT’s “nonchalant attitude” and wanted out of Minnesota. In an act of rebellion, Butler refused to sign an extension and missed the majority of the Timberwolves’ offseason. In a dramatic return to his first practice, Jimmy Butler completely lashed out.

Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reported that Butler was “vociferous and intense” throughout the entirety of practice. He aimed to send a message to the Timberwolves’ players, coaches and front office. To do so, Butler led the team’s third-stringers to a scrimmage win over the starters and directed an explicit message to general manager Scott Layden: “You f—ing need me, Scott. You can’t win without me.”

After completely dominating the infamous practice, the win-hungry guard stayed in town for only a month longer before being dealt to the Philadelphia 76ers.

Related: Rob Dillingham Injury Update: Minnesota Timberwolves Top Pick Out for a While

Should the Timberwolves engage in a Butler Reunion?

Fast-forward to today. Butler is still unsettled, wants out of Miami, and is causing more media drama.

The highly talented forward will be in search of a new destination, and the Minnesota Timberwolves have been rumored to be active ahead of the Feb. 6 trade deadline.

Neither Wiggins, Towns nor Layden are part of the organization, so a deal to bring Butler back to the Western Conference could be something to monitor. A trade centered around Julius Randle and Butler could be in both teams’ interest, however, finding a solution to deal with salaries could pose an issue.

On the season, Butler is averaging 17.6 points — his lowest output since his third year — alongside 5.5 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 1.2 steals per game. The numbers may be concerning, but it’s important to note that Jimmy Butler hasn’t been aided to play his brand of basketball and a fresh start in a new city could be what it takes to revive his “joy”. But until then, lets remind ourselves of how we felt when we were still dealing with Jimmy.

Until any moves are made, the 18-17 Minnesota Timberwolves are slated for a Saturday matchup on the road against the 15-18 Detroit Pistons.

Related: Does a Jerami Grant for Julius Randle Trade Make Sense for the Minnesota Timberwolves?

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.

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

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

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.