On Thursday afternoon, Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times reported that the Minnesota Timberwolves are interested in trading for Chicago Bulls Coby White. This wasn't exactly a shocking report, given the Wolves' need for a point guard and White's offensive skill set. White missed the start of the season with an injury, but in seven games, he is averaging 22.7 points.
There's no denying the UNC product can score at will. His blazing speed and spot-up shooting make him an ideal fit next to Anthony Edwards. Sure, his shooting efficiency is down, but White has shot 37.5 percent on 6.4 3s over his last four full seasons. Plus, White is a crafty playmaker who can take away ball-handling pressure from Edwards.
It's worth noting that Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic said that "nothing is cooking there right now," but White is a name to watch. Whether the Wolves ultimately trade for White or not, Cowley made it clear that Minnesota is searching for a point guard and likely won't wait until February. If you're a Timberwolves fan, it's hard not to be excited by this.
"The Timberwolves have been hunting for a point guard... According to a source, Coby White is being targeted, and time is of the essence for the Bulls to make a decision, Cowley reported. The source said that the Timberwolves are not looking to wait until February and the trade deadline to get a deal done, rather they are looking to fix the primary ball-handling situation that has been an issue for them all season."
Tim Connelly and the Timberwolves seem ready to make a move
Cowley's report makes it clear that the Wolves aren't satisfied with their current point guard room, and they will aggressively pursue reinforcements. This is the exact mindset Wolves fans should want to hear. And while a move may not happen within the next week or two, it could happen well before February's trade deadline.
As currently constructed, the Wolves aren't well-positioned to make another deep playoff run. At the same time, they aren't far away from it, and their point guard position is a central shortcoming. Frankly, a 38-year-old Mike Conley, a 20-year-old Rob Dillingham, and Bones Hyland isn't a championship-level point guard rotation. The Wolves' lack of high-level point guard play has hurt them down the stretch of games.
If something isn't working, why wait until February to fix it? Tim Connelly has never been afraid to make a big move, and Cowley's reporting indicates another move is on the horizon.
I've advocated that it isn't worth shaking up this core for one of the troubling (possibly) available star PGs, including Ja Morant, LaMelo Ball, and Trae Young. However, I've always said that adding a quality rotational point guard is necessary. White could offer the perfect blend of both worlds. He's certainly not a star, but he's not a role player either.
With his defense and pending free agency, pulling the trigger on a White trade isn't a no-brainer for the Wolves. Regardless, White could be a high-upside target who wouldn't break the bank for the Wolves.
Ultimately, the Wolves might not trade for White, but if Cowley's reporting is accurate, it's clear they will aggressively pursue a point guard, and a move could happen sooner than ever expected.