The Minnesota Timberwolves are in a tricky position. They have won six of their last seven to climb to 14-11 on the season. They are getting on track after the stunning Karl-Anthony Towns trade. Minnesota wants to contend for a championship but is in a tricky financial position. They are over the second tax apron, which puts significant restrictions on available moves.
Minnesota needs a point guard before the Feb. 6 trade deadline. Mike Conley has struggled mightily, and the 37-year-old may be reaching the end of the line. He is only playing 25.8 minutes per game, and Minnesota does not have a trusted reserve. Donte DiVincenzo has not worked, and rookie Rob Dillingham is not ready to be impactful in a playoff run.
The Timberwolves cannot aggregate salaries or take back more money than they send out in a trade. Finding a deal won’t be easy, especially with their lack of mid-tier salaries. It could cause Minnesota to go hunting for an All-Star. It would mean moving on from Julius Randle, but the Wolves may try to target this guard.
Timberwolves can trade for Dejounte Murray as Pelicans open for business
It has been a disastrous season in New Orleans after trading for Murray. The All-Star guard missed the first 18 games but is back in action. His defense looks revitalized in the Big Easy. Fans know Murray can get buckets and make plays. He could be the perfect fit in Minnesota next to Anthony Edwards.
The Pelicans are 5-22 and 9.5 games out of the Play-In Tournament already. They cannot keep anyone healthy and a rumored to be shopping nearly every player (subscription required) on their roster. Murray has barely settled in, but New Orleans may look to embark on a total rebuild as they struggle to make the pieces fit.
Julius Randle had a strong 2018-19 season with the Pelicans and may be seen as someone capable of helping them win. Dejounte Murray would fit better in Minnesota, especially if head coach Chris Finch can unlock the San Antonio version. His playmaking and scoring would be welcomed. It would allow the Timberwolves to renew their defensive focus and make them a feared team in the West.
Giving Mike Conley fewer minutes and inserting Naz Reid for Julius Randle would boost Minnesota’s chances of winning when the games matter most. Replacing Conley with Murray would be a massive lift, especially if Dejounte is sinking jumpers and locked in on defense.
The list of available point guards that Minnesota could realistically acquire is small. Tre Mann, Collin Sexton, Jordan Clarkson, Malcolm Brogdon, and any player on a minimum contract will draw calls, but making the deal is difficult. It could force Tim Connelly and the front office to go hunting for a marquee talent and may result in landing someone like Dejounte Murray.
The Minnesota Timberwolves want to win immediately. They must fill some holes to improve their odds, so stay tuned to see what the front office can make happen.