IV: Mike Conley Jr
While veteran PG Mike Conley Jr. checked all of the boxes when he arrived at the 2023 NBA Trade Deadline, his successor is not currently identified on the Timberwolves roster. That could pose a problem, as the Timberwolves have certainly invested in an NBA playoff-caliber team for the long haul.
But what of veteran point guard Mike Conley Jr.? While he possesses nearly all of the traits that the team needs now, how long will he be able to compete at such a high level? And if the Timberwolves do identify a willing NBA team who is willing to trade away a younger point guard to the Timberwolves at the 2024 NBA Trade Deadline, what wisdom is there in having two starting point guards on the team?
In planning for possible trade scenarios, it’s simply naive to expect that an NBA team would be willing to trade a young and promising point guard to the Minnesota Timberwolves to pair up with All-Star shooting guard Anthony Edwards, without getting something of value in return. Right now, that value could include veteran point guard Mike Conley Jr.
But let’s travel another path of logic. The Minnesota Timberwolves proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that the point guard role is very important to this team. When former point guard, D’Angelo Russell, balked at performing his role, the team traded him at the 2023 NBA Trade Deadline. So what will the team do if Conley fails to deliver to expectations in the point guard role this season?
Nobody would be the least bit surprised if the Timberwolves tackle upgrading the point guard position once more. While the least likely of all possible trade scenarios listed here, it is still a possibility. But other trade scenarios are more likely. Such as . . .