After making back-to-back conference finals appearances, the Minnesota Timberwolves leaned into their continuity this offseason. They re-signed Julius Randle and Naz Reid. After losing Nickeil Alexander-Walker, the Wolves opted not to replace him, signaling a belief in their young players, Terrence Shannon Jr., Rob Dillingham, and Jaylen Clark.
However, make no mistake, the Wolves have championship hopes and are looking to maximize their title window around Anthony Edwards. It's worth wondering, though, what happens if the young guys aren't ready and the Wolves get off to a slow start. Despite the direction Tim Connelly and company went this offseason, it's worth noting that they were interested in Kevin Durant earlier in the summer.
Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic recently wrote that Connelly won't hesitate to make a big move, especially mentioning the point guard position as an area they could upgrade. Krawczynski noted De'Aaron Fox as a possible target if things don't go well alongside the two young point guards in San Antonio.
Fox could be on the market and the Wolves would be a logical suitor
Undoubtedly, this is not a trade that is imminent or one that either team is even considering now. Fox signed a four-year $229 million contract extension with the Spurs this summer. If No. 2 pick Dylan Harper thrives immediately and/or Stephon Castle makes another leap, it's not out of the question that Fox, who was traded in February, could be on the move again.
The Spurs' current plan seems to be to keep Fox alongside Victor Wembanyama. However, things can change quickly, and if the Spurs are outside of the playoff picture, they might prioritize their youth.
Dillingham is a high-upside yet still fairly raw young player, while Mike Conley turns 38 in October. The Wolves' point guard play has been problematic, and if it hurts the team this year, Connelly could look to the trade market to upgrade this position. If the Wolves are looking for a star, Fox could be the best player who might be available. With elite downhill speed and crafty playmaking abilities, Fox would be a perfect fit next to Edwards.
To make this trade work salary-wise, the Wolves would have to trade Julius Randle or Rudy Gobert, with the former being a more attractive trade piece given his age and stellar offense. Trading Randle isn't ideal, as he proved to be a perfect fit next to Edwards as a secondary shot creator and playmaker. However, the Wolves have a deep frontcourt, and Naz Reid could take on a bigger role.
If the Wolves' point guard play becomes problematic and it hurts them in the standings, a move like this isn't out of the question. Again, it's far from a likelihood, but there's a scenario where Fox ends up being available again, and the Wolves could be a possible suitor depending on how the year goes.