Timberwolves have an ideal trade target and he's not a point guard

Much of the potential trade talks surrounding the Timberwolves involve the team acquiring a point guard. That is understandable as it is a clear position of need, and an upgrade there would certainly raise Minnesota’s ceiling.

A less-talked about need is more production from the bench. Outside of Naz Reid, the Wolves are lacking a consistent nightly option to put up points from another reserve.

On Friday, Sam Vecenie of The Athletic posted an updated version of his NBA Trade Board for 2025-26. He mentions the Timberwolves as one of the best fits for Quentin Grimes, a player who would clearly help bolster the Timberwolves' bench.

Grimes is used to being traded

Now 25 years old and in his fifth NBA season, Grimes hasn’t really seen his name surface as a trade candidate as of now (although he often has in the past). The 6-foot-4 shooting guard was one of the restricted free agents who remained unsigned for quite some time last offseason before finally accepting the one-year, $8.7 million qualifying offer to remain with the 76ers.

Thus far in his 25 games (six starts), Grimes is posting averages of 15.7 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.3 assists. He joined the 76ers in early February from the Mavericks. It was the third time in slightly less than a year that he was dealt (from Knicks to Pistons in February 2024, and then from Pistons to Mavericks in July 2024).

Grimes really upped his production after joining Philadelphia last season, especially with Tyrese Maxey, Paul George, and Joel Embiid mostly out of action. Grimes averaged 21.9 points in his 28 outings after joining the Sixers last season, with single games of 46 and 44 points.

If Minnesota found a way to acquire Grimes, he would give the Timberwolves two players off the bench who would be capable of scoring in double figures in every game. He would likely average less than the 32.8 minutes he has this year for Philly. Other than Reid, though, Grimes would receive the next most minutes off the bench, as Mike Conley currently averages the second-most for the Wolves with 19.1 (not including his five starts).

Not only that, but Grimes wouldn't be joining a team where he is unfamiliar with everyone. He played with Julius Randle for two and a half seasons with the Knicks, and Donte DiVincenzo actually took over Grimes' starting shooting guard role with New York in the 2023-24 season in early December.

Why would Philadelphia potentially deal him?

The 76ers could trade Grimes if they decide that they aren’t going to re-sign him in the offseason. They have a lot invested in their backcourt already. Tyrese Maxey is in the second year of the five-year, $203.85 million deal he signed in 2024.

Jared McCain was selected 16th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, and he was looking like the Rookie of the Year frontrunner last year before getting injured. VJ Edgecombe was taken with the third pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and has been one of the top rookies thus far.

The 76ers may decide giving Grimes a long-term deal isn’t necessary with the amount of young guards they already have. Trying to deal him by the trade deadline to get some value in return could be their best option. It is surely an option that Grimes has grown accustomed to.