I think everyone knows that the Minnesota Timberwolves need to upgrade their point guard room ahead of February's trade deadline. However, doing so is easier said than done. Sure, you'd love for them to add a star, but the stars (Ja Morant, Trae Young, LaMelo Ball, and James Harden) who could be available are too pricey for the risks they present. Even a high-level starter who would come at a lower price, like Coby White, has clear risks with his lack of defense and pending free agency.
I've advocated for the Wolves to simply target a high-quality role player like Tre Jones. Still, even someone like Jones would come at some sort of cost. Of course, the price would be lower than for someone like Morant or even White, and ultimately, it could prove to be worth it, as the Wolves need more playmaking next to Anthony Edwards.
In an ideal world, though, the Wolves could trade for a high-impact role player for next to nothing. Okay, I know, that sounds like a pipe dream. However, there's a recent precedent of this happening. Last trade deadline, the Miami Heat traded P.J. Tucker and a second-round pick to the Toronto Raptors for Davion Mitchell.
Since arriving in Miami, Mitchell has resurrected his career and solved the Heat's point guard problem. Ahead of the deadline, the Wolves should look to pull off a similar deal.
Mitchell has rejuvenated his career with the Heat
During his time with the Heat, Mitchell has averaged 10.1 points, 6.4 assists, and 2.7 rebounds on 50.5/41.7/67.5 shooting splits. Now, finding an impactful player like Mitchell for such a low price won't be easy, and maybe the Wolves have to pay a bit more, but the idea in principle is that they should be eyeing a Davion Mitchell-like trade.
Mitchell was a 2021 lottery pick, so it's always been clear that he's talented, especially on defense. Nevertheless, Mitchell's offense was subpar before landing in Miami. He had averaged 6.3 points and 4.6 assists with the Raptors. Before that, with the Sacramento Kings, he averaged 7.4 points and 2.8 assists on 43.4/32.7/70.3 shooting splits.
With the Heat, Mitchell has blossomed into a 41.7 percent 3-point shooter, which has opened up his offensive game. He has also been more empowered as a playmaker. This year, Mitchell has posted an elite 5.24 assist-to-turnover ratio. When describing his skill set, it sounds like the exact player Minnesota needs.
While the Wolves can't have Mitchell, they can look to trade for the next Mitchell. Tim Connelly has struck gold before with Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and he could very well do so again.
Who could be the Wolves' Davion Mitchell?
As a smaller guard with defense and playmaking chops, Jose Alvarado reminds me a lot of Mitchell. However, he would be a lot more costly than Mitchell was. The spirit of these trades could be similar, though.
Scotty Pippen Jr. hasn't played this season, but as a dependable playmaker, with spot-up shooting and on-ball defense chops, he has an ideal skill set for the Wolves' needs. If he gets off to a slow start upon returning from injury and the Memphis Grizzlies make another move, he could be available for a discount price.
Craig Porter Jr. would be a true budget trade target, but his blend of high-IQ playmaking and spot-up shooting makes him an intriguing option. Porter averages just 16.4 minutes with the Cleveland Cavaliers, but his 42.4 3-point percentage and 2.4 assists stand out.
These are just a few names, and I'm sure most Wolves fans would hope to land a more established player to fill their point guard void. However, Miami's trade for Davion Mitchell proves that the Wolves might not have to break the bank to solve their fatal flaw.