Heading into the offseason, it was clear that the Minnesota Timberwolves needed to make changes. Ideally, the Timberwolves could find a co-star alongside Anthony Edwards, who is on his timeline, while also being a talent and fit upgrade over Julius Randle. More specifically, the Timberwolves needed a point guard who could create for himself and others.
With Minnesota's lack of draft capital, this was going to be a clear challenge, though. Additionally, while Randle, Rudy Gobert, and Naz Reid are all good players, I was skeptical that they could be the centerpiece of a star trade. Back in May, I wrote about why getting on Ant's timeline could be a challenge for these reasons.
Of course, though, the Timberwolves accomplished this goal by trading for LaMelo Ball, who is the same age as Edwards. LaMelo's dynamic playmaking, perimeter scoring, and ability to play off the ball make him an ideal fit alongside Ant. The Timberwolves also signed Jonathan Kuminga, who will turn 24 before the start of this season. While Kuminga might simply be a one-year rental, he fits Edwards' timeline perfectly, and there's a chance that he stays for the long run.
Outside of Rudy Gobert and Donte DiVincenzo (once he returns), every Timberwolves rotation player is now 26 years old or younger. Making this shift with such limited draft capital and cap space is nothing short of a master class from Tim Connelly.
The Timberwolves getting younger and better is a massive achievement
Now, I know what you are thinking: Didn't the Timberwolves trade a bunch of picks for LaMelo? Well, kind of. They traded one unprotected pick and three pick swaps. Of the pick swaps, only one is an outright swap—the others are the least favorable of picks between several teams.
This is a key reason why I'm in favor of this trade, but it also underscores how impressive this move is.
Salary-dumping Randle (which eventually got looped into the LaMelo trade) allowed the Wolves to take on extra money with Ball and Josh Green. Unfortunately, this cost the Wolves Naz Reid, who was an ideal complementary player alongside Edwards. Nevertheless, finding a co-star who fits Ant's timeline makes the move well worth it.
Another reason why I was dubious of the Timberwolves finding a star who fit Edwards' timeline was the lack of clear options on the trade market. Frankly, I never expected Charlotte to move LaMelo. And sure, Ja Morant was available, but his on-court fit with Ant would have been shaky since he can't play off the ball. There were very few available stars who fit the bill for what the Timberwolves were looking for.
Following the Wolves' second-round exit, I pitched guys like Kyrie Irving and Dejounte Murray. Kyrie turned out not to be available, and Murray, likewise, stayed put. These players (especially Kyrie) would have been solid fits alongside Ant. Still, at 34 and 29 respectively, neither player would've been an ideal long-term fit. As such, the Wolves would be committing to a reduced contention timeline. Based on the perceived lack of options, I also pitched Jalen Suggs as a realistic young trade target. While he would fit Edwards' timeline, he wouldn't be a true second option.
Even if these players felt intriguing at the time, LaMelo is more talented and a better fit alongside Ant-Man.
Regarding Kuminga, signing a young and talented power forward for a two-year, $12.4 million deal is a massive achievement. This is especially true since he turned down more lucrative contracts. Kuminga filled Minnesota's last major need of a power forward.
Between LaMelo's playmaking and the collective athleticism of this group, including Kuminga, this roster fits Edwards' strengths much better than last year's.
Considering all factors, being able to build a more talented roster around Edwards that better fits his timeline and playstyle is incredible work from the Timberwolves.
The Timberwolves have built a sustainable title contender
The benefits of getting younger are clear. Edwards is 25 years old, and now he has a group that's truly set up for long-term success. Even putting aside Kuminga, Ball, Jaden McDaniels, Ayo Dosunmu, and Joan Beringer, Edwards has a supporting cast that should make the Timberwolves a long-term contender. As the Wolves navigate life without much draft capital, having a relatively young roster will be a major benefit.
All the same, the Wolves have a legitimate chance to win it all this season. It's truly the best of both worlds.
If the Timberwolves had traded for an older star, they could have won a title in the next few years, but the window would have been condensed. Yes, they still would've had McDaniels, Ayo, and Beringer. Regardless, once the older star aged out of the timeline, the Wolves would have to find another co-star, and doing so would've been challenging.
Now, the Timberwolves are perfectly positioned to succeed this upcoming year and in the future, something that didn't seem possible.
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