The Minnesota Timberwolves have won six of their last seven, but sit 14-11 on the season. Their defense is trending up in a loaded Western Conference. Minnesota wants to build on last season’s run to the conference finals, but they have issues to solve if they want to make a deep run.
Mike Conley is their leader, but the veteran point guard is struggling on the floor. He is shooting 34.8 percent from the field and only plays 25.8 minutes per game. The Timberwolves could use another ball-handler and creator. Adding one is more difficult than ever before.
Tim Connelly and the front office would find that piece on the trade market in years past, but the NBA’s new CBA complicates matters. Minnesota is over the second tax apron and faces significant trade restrictions. Their roster further complicates making a deal and may force them to stand pat.
Timberwolves' trade possibilities are limited by spending
Minnesota is $17.1 million over the second tax apron. The new rules prevent them from aggregating salaries or taking back more money than they send out in a trade. It prevents two teams over the second apron from trading with each other and makes it difficult to upgrade.
The Timberwolves do not want to trade Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert, Jaden McDaniels, or Naz Reid. They could freely acquire a minimum contract. Any player making more would require Minnesota to send back a matching salary. Julius Randle’s $33.0 million salary is most likely to be moved but would require a star return. Without it, Donte DiVincenzo and Mike Conley are the options making $11.4 million and $9.9 million respectively.
The mid-level exception is $12.8 million this season. The Timberwolves are shopping below that mark and will struggle to make the math work.
Most teams have restrictions, so it is not like the Wolves can trade Conley for a player making $4 million this season. The salaries must be close and Minnesota cannot send out multiple players.
Connelly’s hands may be tied. There are not expected to be many All-Stars available before Feb. 6. Beyond that, the Timberwolves may not have the mid-tier salaries to pull off an upgrade. They could split Randle into multiple pieces, but that would put their scoring in question. Naz Reid is third on the team behind Randle and Anthony Edwards at just 12.2 points per game.
Counting on Mike Conley to get more productive and stay healthy over the grueling grind of the playoffs is a massive ask. The 37-year-old is nearing the end of his career, and Minnesota must get him more help. Finding a veteran capable of running the offense and providing a locker-room boost would be ideal. The Wolves are limited in what is possible, especially at the salary levels they are willing to spend.
It will likely be a quiet trade deadline for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Tim Connelly is never afraid to be bold, but the rules limit what is possible. If they decide to keep Randle and DiVincenzo, the only available moves are dealing Mike Conley for an upgrade or acquiring a minimum contract. Consider that unlikely, but teams often shoot their shot when they believe the can compete for a championship.