5 Timberwolves who could be traded before the deadline
By Tyler Watts
The Minnesota Timberwolves have taken a step forward. Anthony Edwards is blossoming into a superstar, and Rudy Gobert is back in the Defensive Player of the Year conversation. Minnesota has the best record in the Western Conference and looks like a title contender as the calendar flips to 2024.
The Wolves have talent but must upgrade their roster before the deadline to become legit favorites in the West. Denver is the reigning champion and has the best player in the world. The Thunder, Clippers, Kings, Pelicans, Mavericks, Suns, and Lakers all believe they can make deep playoff runs. Minnesota wants to avoid another first-round playoff exit and must maximize their roster.
If the Timberwolves make a trade, they will have to send out talent in the deal. Here are their five most likely players to be dealt before Feb. 8.
5. Troy Brown Jr.
Minnesota signed Brown Jr. to a two-year deal worth $8 million in the 2023 offseason. They were looking for a reserve wing that could space the floor and provide quality minutes. Brown Jr. helped the Lakers make the playoffs in 2023, and the 24-year-old is still improving.
He has struggled to find a role with the Wolves. The 6’6 wing has not played ten minutes in a game since mid-December and is averaging just 5.8 minutes per contest over the last eight.
Brown is making $4 million this season and his salary for the 2024-25 campaign is not guaranteed until June 30th. Minnesota can trade him as an expiring salary and use his contract to match money in a trade.
Troy Brown Jr. will not have a ton of value, and the Minnesota Timberwolves are limited in the draft capital they can trade after the Rudy Gobert deal. Minnesota has three first-round pick swaps plus five second-rounders available. They may be able to find some rotation help and packaging Brown Jr. with a larger salary could be the perfect matching salary.