Minnesota Timberwolves fans got a major update about their offseason on Monday night when Jake Fischer reported that the Wolves are out of the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes. However, the news doesn't stop there regarding the Wolves' offseason.Â
Fischer provided an update about Kyrie Irving's availability, who is also considered a top trade target by Wolves fans. The bright side is that Fischer made it sound likely that Kyrie would be moved. Unfortunately, though, he also made it sound unlikely that the Wolves would make a big move.Â
“Definitely Minnesota is in need of a major clear ball handler next to Anthony Edwards, and they were looking at guys to do that," Fischer said when asked about a possible Kyrie-Wolves trade. "They brought back Ayo Dosunmu, though this summer. I think he is probably the biggest addition that we could expect from Minnesota at this juncture. But I don’t know if I necessarily believe Kyrie will be on the Mavericks roster come opening night."
There's a lot to unpack with Fischer's quote. Firstly, it's great news that Kyrie seems to be available -- I've routinely mentioned that he is the ideal guard alongside Edwards. It also seems like a deal to keep Dosunmu in Minnesota is in place. Again, that's great news.Â
Regardless, what really sticks out (in a bad way for Wolves fans) is Fischer saying Dosunmu is probably the biggest addition we could expect from Minnesota at this juncture. That's something no Wolves fan wants to hear amid dreams of getting Ant a genuine co-star.Â
At this juncture is a key distinction, and despite these comments, I wouldn't rule out the Wolves making a move.Â
The Timberwolves might not be able to land Kyrie or another star
After a disastrous second-round series, it felt inevitable that Julius Randle would be traded. Fans were hopeful that the Wolves would be able to land an All-Star-level guard (ideally Kyrie) in exchange for Randle. It's still hard to imagine him being brought back after such a brutal playoffs.
Reading between the lines a bit, though, I would guess that Randle's trade value isn't very high and the Wolves might not be able to add the star-level guard fans are hoping for. It's possible Randle is traded in a depth-centric move rather than a star swap.Â
Rudy Gobert's trade value should be higher. But there's a strong chance this is a future-focused package rather than a win-now one. Thus, to Fischer's point, the Wolves might not land a star-level player as fans hope.
The Wolves need to prioritize depth, but they also need another star alongside Ant. It's a tough situation. Based on Fischer's comments, though, Wolves fans might have to limit their expectations.Â
Timberwolves fans shouldn't lose hope (yet)
With all that being said, I, for one, will never count out a Tim Connelly-led operation. The Wolves' lack of draft capital, a high payroll, combined with Randle and Gobert aging, will make things tricky. Connelly is well-known for his ability to make unexpected big trades, though.
It doesn't look like they'll pull off a move for Giannis, or Kyrie. Nevertheless, I won't give up hope on the possibility of a Kyrie trade (or a move for a player slightly below his level).
Fischer made it seem likely that Irving will be traded -- this should provide some level of hope. While the Wolves' package might not appeal to Dallas right now, what if they trade Gobert for some extra picks and pair those picks with Randle to sweeten the deal? Likewise, they could make this a possible three-team blockbuster.
Would something like this be tricky? Sure, but Connelly has been known to pull off some crazy deals, and based on his press conference in May, it's clear he's not happy with the roster.Â
Ultimately, though, Fischer's reporting certainly makes the Wolves' offseason plans less clear.
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