The NBA trade deadline is just under three weeks away, and it's not a secret that the Minnesota Timberwolves are looking to pursue point guard upgrades. Frankly, a point guard room of Bones Hyland, Mike Conley, and Rob Dillingham isn't championship-level. However, the Wolves won't be pursuing a star-level player like Ja Morant. This makes sense given the Wolves' lack of depth and high payroll.
If the Wolves make a trade, it will either be for a minimum or mid-tiered-level salaried player. One higher-end name that the Wolves have confirmed interest in is Collin Sexton. Jake Fischer noted the Wolves' interest in Sexton a few weeks ago, and now Michael Scotto has confirmed Minnesota's interest in Sexton.
"Earlier this season, the Minnesota Timberwolves also conducted due diligence and called Memphis regarding Morant’s availability, but that interest has subsided since. Conversely, Minnesota has Charlotte Hornets guard Collin Sexton – who’s on an expiring $18.98 million contract – among its potential trade targets," Scotto reported.
If Tim Connelly and the Wolves pull off a big move at the deadline, it will likely be for Sexton. Coby White is another player of similar caliber who could be a trade target. Yet Sexton's fit with the Wolves is clearer given his two-way impact (something White can't offer), and thus trading for Sexton could be the perfect move.
Sexton is a perfect fit
The Timberwolves need a point guard who can provide a little bit of everything, including shot creation, shooting, defense, and playmaking. That perfectly describes Sexton. Furthermore, the 6-foot-3 guard plays with a relentless motor that would help uplift the Wolves.
On the season, Sexton is averaging 14.9 points, 2 rebounds, and 4.1 assists on 48.5/38.3/87.1 shooting splits. In the previous seasons, with the Utah Jazz, though, Sexton averaged 18.6 points. Sexton is a prolific all-around scorer.
He is shooting 69.8 percent at the rim and relentlessly attacks the basket, which is a skill set the Wolves desperately need. Plus, he shoots an absurd 49.2 percent on catch-and-shoot 3s. Having a player, like Sexton, who can create for himself while being able to play off the ball is perfect next to Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle.
Sexton isn't exactly a floor general, but he has solid playmaking chops and typically makes the right reads. Defensively, despite being a small guard, Sexton is a stifling defender who plays with unmatched energy. Opponents are shooting just 43.5 percent from the field when defended by Sexton. Simply put, Sexton isn't nicknamed "Young Bull" for no reason.
The Wolves could use another point-of-attack defender, making Sexton an ideal fit, especially with his offensive skill set.
How a Sexton trade can happen
As a first-tax apron team, pulling off any trade will be tricky for Minnesota. However, in the case of Sexton, combining the salaries of Conley and Dillingham would nearly get them there. The Wolves would be able to pull it off by using one of their trade exceptions -- something I only see them doing in a scenario like this when they are near the desired salary amount.
There are a few things to note here. Firstly, it's worth wondering if the Wolves would part ways with Conley, given his importance to the team as a veteran leader. Nevertheless, Jake Fischer has previously mentioned this as a possibility, so I wouldn't rule it out. Another reasonable concern is whether Sexton's price would really be so low.
Despite his on-court value, I think it might be. Over the offseason, Sexton and a second-round pick were traded to the Hornets in exchange for Jusuf Nurkic (who at the time was viewed as a negative asset). With Sexton entering free agency this summer, it's possible a deal centered around Conley, Dillingham, and perhaps some form of draft capital could get the job done. Now, Sexton's pending free agency complicates things for the Timberwolves.
Nevertheless, there's no denying he'd be a great fit for the Wolves, and if Minnesota makes a big move, it's fair to expect that it would be for Sexton.