5 Timberwolves at risk of being traded this summer

5. Jaden McDaniels

And now for perhaps the most controversial inclusion of our list. Coming into the 2023-24 season, Jaden McDaniels was viewed as one of the top young defensive players in the entire association, and unquestionably one of the Timberwolves' most important players as they prepared for a potentially special season.

Those are the reasons why McDaniels was inked to a five year, $136 million extension right before the start of the season. Contract talks had been slow all summer, and the Wolves were thrilled to get Jaden back on board at just the right time. With he and fellow 2020 draft classmate Anthony Edwards both re-signed, it looked like it was all systems go.

But over the course of the current season, McDaniels has had some uncharacteristic struggles. Known formerly as an impenetrable brick wall defensively, Jaden has seen more lapses than many anticipated. Combine that with his less efficient scoring offensively, and fans have had some concerns.

Ever since McDaniels punched a wall at the end of last regular season and put himself out for the playoffs, there have been stretches where it has seemed like he has not been quite the same player. There is still a very solid chance Jaden makes improvements and ultimately finds himself again. But if Timberwolves management decides to shake things up this offseason, they could explore options to trade McDaniels.