The Minnesota Timberwolves could acquire Kyrie Irving when he becomes eligible to be traded on Dec. 15 in a massive move that gives them a serious shot at winning the West. Irving is recovering from a torn ACL, but reports suggest he could play if it were the playoffs. He plans to play this season, and Minnesota is focused on getting over the hump to reach the NBA Finals for the first time.
Anthony Edwards is one of the best players in the world, but Minnesota desperately needs a point guard next to him. Mike Conley is nearing the end of his legendary career, and the Wolves don’t have a replacement. They hoped Rob Dillingham would set up, but he isn’t ready.
Kyrie helped Dallas knock off the Timberwolves in the 2024 Western Conference Finals, but things have quickly become a disaster for the Mavericks. With Nico Harrison gone, they may look to totally rebuild around Cooper Flagg. That would open the door for Minnesota to buy low on an elite number two option.
Timberwolves could trade for Kyrie Irving in less than one month
The Mavericks and Wolves are both over the first tax apron, so this trade would need a third team to be possible. Brooklyn will be eager to facilitate deals before the deadline if they can get draft compensation thrown in. Minnesota would have to figure out how they want to play it.
They have explored blockbuster deals involving Rudy Gobert. The big man is clearly declining and could become a problem in the playoffs.
If the Mavericks or Nets won’t take on Gobert, this trade is possible with Naz Reid, Mike Conley, Leonard Miller, and Bones Hyland going out the door. Making a four-for-one trade midseason isn’t easy, but the Wolves want to win now. Any deal should be on the table to make it happen.
Kyrie Irving is a champion and proven playoff performer. The Timberwolves wouldn’t have to worry about their shot creation or playmaking anymore. He may be slow out of the gate, but Irving averaged 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.3 steals per game last season. He shot 47.3 percent from the field and over 40 percent from 3-point range. Fans know he is unstoppable and would be a fantastic fit in Minnesota next to Ant-Man and Julius Randle.
The Wolves will be in on all the top talent available before the deadline. Tim Connelly must find the move that pushes them to new heights. Minnesota has lost in the conference finals three times in franchise history, including twice in the last two years. It is time to end their drought and win a championship. Edwards is the alpha to do it, and Kyrie Irving is a proven second option.
The Minnesota Timberwolves have the perfect trade target readily available on Dec. 15 when 80 players who signed contracts in the offseason become eligible to be dealt. The rumors and activity will start heating up in less than a month, and the Wolves need to act fast. This is their chance to make history. Minnesota is one move away, and getting the ideal guard would do the trick.