The NBA Trade Deadline is just three days away, and Minnesota Timberwolves fans are anxiously awaiting to see what moves the team makes. It was originally expected to be a fairly quiet trade deadline until the Wolves were thrust into the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade sweepstakes last week.
During a Monday morning appearance on ESPN's Get Up, Brian Windhorst noted that the Wolves are the most aggressive team in the West.
"The most aggressive team in the West right now is the Minnesota Timberwolves. They are in the game for Giannis," Windhorst said Monday. "I don't believe that their offers can outweigh the other offers, and I'm not even sure that Giannis is getting traded before Thursday. The Timberwolves are being aggressive. If they don't make what I would call a Hail Mary Giannis deal, I think they are aggressively looking to upgrade their backcourt."
Windhorst's comments indicate the Wolves could make a big move even if it's not for Giannis
There are a few things that stand out to me in Windhorst's comments. Of course, reaffirming their interest in Giannis and an aggressive mindset is worth noting. However, his belief that the Wolves can't outweigh other offers is just as crucial. As I've written about before, the Wolves' lack of draft capital (and subsequent need for a third team) will undoubtedly hinder them in Giannis trade talks.
What really stands out to me, though, is that Windhorst thinks they'll aggressively look to upgrade their backcourt -- which, of course, has been a clear need all season long. However, it is a change from previous reporting, as Jake Fischer noted that the Wolves aren't looking to add a high-salaried point guard. Furthermore, Michael Scotto reported that the Wolves are resistant to parting ways with Jaden McDaniels, Donte DiVincenzo, and Naz Reid, which makes a big move difficult.
Can things change, though? Absolutely. It's worth noting that Scotto didn't list Julius Randle as a trade candidate, but he also didn't include Randle in the group of players with whom the Wolves are resistant to trading. Paired with Windhorst's comments, this may set the stage for a Randle trade.
To be clear, I would caution against this as Randle is a proven fit next to Anthony Edwards, and it's unclear what guard the Wolves would be able to trade for that would be an upgrade over Randle. Nevertheless, reading between the lines, it's hard not to come to this conclusion.
Perhaps trading for someone like Coby White, Malik Monk, or Collin Sexton without shaking up their core (all of whom the Wolves have been linked to) could qualify as aggressive, especially given the lack of star guards on the market. With that being said, Windhorst calling the Wolves the most aggressive team in the West could indicate a bigger move is on the way.
I've always believed that a minor trade for a role player is the most likely outcome for the Wolves at the deadline -- but Windhorst's comments are certainly worth noting. As we've learned in the Tim Connelly era, Timberwolves fans should expect the unexpected ahead of Thursday's deadline.