Amid a disappointing 10-8 start to the season, Minnesota Timberwolves fans are already (understandably) thinking ahead to the trade deadline. Point guard is the most obvious position the Wolves could look to upgrade. With Ja Morant, Trae Young, and LaMelo Ball possibly available, the Wolves could, in theory, trade for a star-level point guard. Giving Anthony Edwards a star point guard would greatly benefit him.
However, the reality is that the Wolves might have some trouble trading for a star player. The Wolves are hard-capped at the first tax apron, which makes a big trade challenging financially. They also don't own many of their future picks, which further hampers their ability to make trades.
Beyond that, the three guards who are most commonly rumored to be available have significant concerns. Ball and Morant are often injured and aren't having a great season. Young is very heliocentric and has a contract situation that needs to be sorted out. Maybe Kyrie Irving could be an option, but trading for a 33-year-old coming off an ACL injury is a big risk.
At face value, not having a clear path to trading for a star could be frustrating for Wolves fans. Nevertheless, I view this as a blessing in disguise. Sure, it would be great to trade for a star, but the Wolves might only need a minor trade when it's all said and done.
Trading for a star is tricky for the Timberwolves
Now, I wouldn't rule out the Wolves trading for one of these players, but it would be tricky from multiple angles. It's unclear what other stars could become available. Even if there are players who would fit better with Minnesota, it would be tricky to make a move, given the previously mentioned issues. Before I discuss why this is a blessing in disguise, let's further explore the challenges of trading for a star.
The Wolves reportedly view Jaden McDaniels as "close to untouchable." Given Rudy Gobert's age and contract, it's unlikely that opposing teams would be content with him as the centerpiece of a deal. Could Naz Reid, Donte DiVincenzo, and young players make something work? Maybe, but I wouldn't count on it.
The clearest path to landing a star is trading Julius Randle. However, Randle has undoubtedly been better than Morant and Ball this season. Young has only played in five games, so it's a small sample size, but Randle has also been better than him. Given Randle's $30.8 million contract, the Wolves would have to attach more players to trade for one of these guards.
That's not worth it for Minnesota, in my eyes.
The Wolves don't need a star point guard
The Wolves have struggled this season, going 0-7 against above .500 teams and collapsing in the fourth quarter. Something clearly needs to change, and the Wolves do need to make a move at the deadline. Even still, I don't think the Wolves need a blockbuster trade to turn their season and contention chances around.
Let us not forget, this Wolves core went to the conference finals last year and finished the season with a 16-4 record in the last 20 games. So what gives? Mike Conley, now at 38, has further declined, averaging a career low 5.8 points, on 39 percent shooting from the field. The Wolves have been unable to fill the void of Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who left in free agency. Yes, there are other problems for the Timberwolves, but these are two of the most notable.
The Wolves need to find a rotational level point guard and, in turn, bolster their depth. That doesn't mean they have to trade for a star. Tre Jones and Dennis Schröder are two players who jump out at me as possible trade targets, but there are surely other players who could fit this mold.
Despite their struggles, the Wolves check a lot of boxes as contenders. They still rank in the top 10 in offensive and defensive rating. Edwards is a legitimate superstar, Randle is a capable second option, and McDaniels is playing the best basketball of his career.
When it's all said and done, trading for a role player could make a massive difference for the Wolves.