For most of the season, it has seemed likely that the Minnesota Timberwolves will make a move (likely for a point guard to pair alongside Anthony Edwards) ahead of the February 5 trade deadline. However, it was always unclear who exactly the Wolves would target and who they would be willing to give up. Now, after Jake Fischer's latest reporting, we have some further clarity.
Fischer mentioned that the Wolves aren't interested in trading for a star-level point guard and are more focused on a mid-tier-salaried player.
"It sounds as if the Wolves, should they make a move to enhance their backcourt, are much more focused on adding a mid-tier-salaried player at the position," Fischer said. "They can easily combine Mike Conley Jr.’s $10.7 million expiring contract and second-year guard Rob Dillingham's $6.5 million to absorb incoming salary in the mid-level-exception range and could conceivably add a few more end-of-roster players if they need to go a little higher. I have heard, by the way, that parting with Dillingham is indeed on the table."
Fischer explicitly said that trading Dillingham is on the table, but didn't clarify the same thing for Conley. Regardless, the veteran guard's inclusion was certainly notable. Frankly, Fischer wouldn't include him if it weren't possible that the Wolves trade him.
A Mike Conley trade is suddenly feasible
Despite Conley's lack of production this season, I was always skeptical that the Wolves would be willing to trade him. Conley's presence as a veteran leader is vital, and his relationship with the Timberwolves organization is a significant factor. Many prominent Timberwolves reporters have shot down the possibility of Conley being traded.
Ultimately, though, it's a business, and Conley is one of the few notable salaries that the Wolves could use as a trade piece without hurting their depth. With that being said, I wouldn't be surprised if the Wolves go out of their way to set up a three-team trade to do right by Conley.
Now, this doesn't mean trading Conley is a guarantee -- that would be foolish to say. However, if the Wolves want to trade for a player who makes $14 million (or more), it feels nearly certain that they would trade Conley. The other route would be trading Donte DiVincenzo, but given the players available, this wouldn't be logical.
Two clear trade targets are Charlotte's Collin Sexton and Sacramento's Dennis Schroder. The Wolves have confirmed interest in Sexton and Schroder (who is on a cheaper and longer-term contract), and he feels like the next logical target. From a shot creation and playmaking standpoint, both of these players make sense. Plus, both players are solid defenders.
Coby White is a name to watch, but Fischer previously reported the Wolves' interest in White is lowered by his expiring contract. Sexton also has an expiring contract, but perhaps the Wolves are confident in their ability to re-sign him to a cheaper deal.
Dillingham going to one of these rebuilding teams would clearly benefit the second-year guard. However, for Conley, who is nearing the end of his career, this wouldn't make sense. Perhaps the Wolves set up a three-team trade, or he would be bought out by the rebuilding team he is traded to. A reunion with Memphis, where Conley spent the first 12 years of his career, is something to watch for.
The Timberwolves could simply target a cheaper contract like Jose Alvarado or Kris Dunn. Such a trade would likely just involve Dillingham and perhaps some draft capital or more young talent. In this scenario, Conley would stay in Minnesota.
Overall, Conley being traded isn't a certainty, but based on Fischer's reporting, it's more likely than we previously may have thought.