This Timberwolves trade target is no longer available

The NBA trade deadline is less than two weeks away, and the Minnesota Timberwolves have their hands full with trying to determine their next move. The Wolves are now 10-4 since their players-only meeting following the New Year’s Eve loss to the Pistons, and things are looking up.

D’Angelo Russell continues to be the hottest name in Timberwolves trade rumors. While his on-court production has picked up and he is now averaging 23.2 points per game in his last five outings, sources continue to indicate that Minnesota may be looking to trade him.

Recently, one team that has been heavily involved in Timberwolves trade rumors made it known that they were no longer interested in trading their featured player. That team was the Miami Heat.

One potential Timberwolves trade partner made their top target off-limits

The latest report from HoopsHype on Saturday morning indicated that the Heat no longer have interest in moving Kyle Lowry. Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reported that with the Heat’s ascension into sixth place in the Eastern Conference, they no longer feel the need to replace Lowry.

This puts one of the Timberwolves’ top potential trade targets squarely off the table. Minnesota had been rumored to have been discussing potential trade packages centered around Lowry and D’Angelo Russell multiple times.

Still, several rival NBA executives believe the Timberwolves are determined to offload Russell before the deadline. With one less reasonable option to work with, Minnesota will have to work quickly if a deal is to be completed.

This news may decrease the likelihood that D’Angelo Russell is traded

And despite what other executives may believe, the Timberwolves might simply determine their best move at this point is to keep D-Lo. A potential trade for Kyle Lowry seemed like the most feasible move that would work for both sides financially and keep both teams at the level of a playoff contender.

With the Heat now firmly out of the picture, the Timberwolves’ options are dwindling. It would not be the wisest decision, but this announcement could very well be what makes them decide to keep D’Angelo Russell around for the rest of the season.