The Minnesota Timberwolves have set themselves up to be one of the top contenders in the Western Conference next year. With LaMelo Ball in town, however, the Wolves shouldn’t take anything for granted. They made their big-swing move. They want to push forward. If trade opportunities arise by the deadline, the Wolves should pounce.
Maybe this roster will work perfectly together. Maybe Anthony Edwards and Ball will be more than enough to compete for a championship. But there still feels like there are a few areas of improvement the Wolves could stand to address. Even if it’s not until the trade deadline comes around. Minnesota just needs to stay ready to make a deal if necessary.
At this point, it’s hard to determine what the Wolves will definitely need by the deadline. However, here are five way-too-early potential trade targets that could help the Ball era in Minnesota.
5 Trade deadline targets for Timberwolves to help LaMelo Ball
1. Isaiah Stewart
Ball needs a great defensive ecosystem around him. The Wolves have that. But adding another defensive-minded big man to come off the bench would be great for them.
Isaiah Stewart is exactly that. He can play the five, for when Rudy Gobert needs a break (if Joan Beringer isn’t quite living up to expectations), and probably even some four.
2. Day’Ron Sharpe
Heading into next season, the Wolves seem to believe in Beringer. But what if he’s not ready for heavy minutes in the playoffs? That’s where Day’Ron Sharpe could make some sense.
He’s a relatively cheap big man who could give the Wolves some great center depth. Minnesota should want plenty of bigs available to play alongside Ball.
3. Jalen Smith
The Wolves don’t really have a pick-and-pop option for Ball to work with. Adding a guy like Jalen Smith could definitely give them that.
Smith can play some four and some five, which would give Ball a pretty versatile piece to play alongside. Adding depth at both of those spots would be ideal for Minnesota.
4. Herb Jones
Again, Ball needs a defensive infrastructure around him. Who better to nab than a guy like Herb Jones? Obviously, the New Orleans Pelicans would need to be willing to chat, but if they were, the Wolves should make a call.
Adding Jones to this Minnesota lineup would be absolutely elite. The defense of Jones and Jaden McDaniels at the forward spots would be incredible.
5. AJ Green
Ball needs three-point shooters to pass to. The Wolves have some spacing, but adding a guy like AJ Green would take their three-point talent to the next level.
Green has been an elite shooter for the Milwaukee Bucks for the past few years. He would be a perfect catch-and-shoot option to pair with Ball.
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