This offseason, expect to see the Minnesota Timberwolves linked to any star players who are rumored to be available, particularly if they are point guards.
One potential player who could be available is Kyrie Irving. As dynamic as he has proven to be, he certainly comes with risk. Timberwolves columnist Britt Robson was a guest on The Dane Moore NBA Podcast and had this to say about Irving.
“My problem with Kyrie is injuries and defense.” Robson said. “And also very, very short timeline.”
Those are definitely concerns that should be had for Minnesota if they were to trade for Irving.
Irving hasn’t played in more than 15 months
March 3, 2025. That was the last time that Kyrie Irving stepped on a basketball court, and 464 days ago as of this writing. On that day, he tore his ACL.
Perhaps Irving could have come back at some point this past season, but there was no need to rush him. The Dallas Mavericks fell 11 games short of even play-in positioning, and therefore felt better suited to have Kyrie just sit out the year.
While it was probably the right move, it leaves more questions as to how he will look returning to action.
Now, Irving is 34 years old. He doesn’t exactly fit Cooper Flagg’s timeline. Would he fit the timeline of Anthony Edwards? That has to be the most important question that the Timberwolves ask themselves.
At the moment, the Timberwolves seem to be in more win-now mode than the Mavericks. While Ant-Man will be just 25 years old next season, he will also be in his seventh year. Edwards hasn't truly hinted at looking elsewhere yet, but the possibility increases with each ensuing year that the Wolves don't reach their ultimate goal.
Irving has had his fair share of injuries throughout his career. In the last seven years, the most appearances he has made in a season are 60. Who’s to say the injuries and ailments don’t continue to pile up now that he is in his mid-30s?
Even prior to the ACL injury, Irving wasn’t known as a top-notch defender. Often, it has been the effort that has been questioned. That’s similar to the prevailing thought on Edwards (though he struggles more with effort), whom Irving would share the backcourt with if traded to Minnesota.
I would understand if Tim Connelly and crew decided to make a move to acquire Irving, especially if it allows them to move off a mostly unwanted player in Julius Randle.
It would be an unrealistic thought to expect Irving to make it through a whole season, though, without any bumps or bruises. His injury history and age should at the very least give the Wolves cause for pause when considering a Kyrie trade.
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