I think just about everyone knows that the Minnesota Timberwolves need a point guard to reach their full potential. Frankly, a point guard room of Mike Conley, Rob Dillingham, and Bones Hyland isn't cutting it.
How they plan to upgrade this position ahead of February's deadline is unclear. With Ja Morant, LaMelo Ball, and Trae Young all likely being available, the Wolves could pursue a trade for a star guard. Morant, though, is the only player that the Wolves have confirmed interest in, and Jake Fischer recently confirmed this interest.
"The team that we've really heard to keep an eye on for Ja Morant, in addition to Miami, has been Minnesota, Fischer said. The Wolves, by various accounts, have been poking around the point guard market."
Trading for Morant is a divisive idea among Wolves fans. As Ja continues to struggle to stay healthy, shows moments of immaturity, and doesn't look like himself when he's on the court, I've cooled on the idea. Regardless, this is an update that Wolves fans must be aware of, especially since Fischer listed the Timberwolves and Heat as the lone suitors.
Trading for Morant would be a massive gamble for the Timberwolves
Let's get this out of the way: Morant hasn't been close to his elite self this year. He is averaging 17.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 7.6 assists on 35.9/16.7/94.2 shooting splits. These are the lowest raw scoring numbers since his rookie season and his worst efficiency by an immense margin.
Furthermore, Morant struggles with injuries; he has only played 65 or more games one time in his career and is currently dealing with a calf injury. Trading for him is obviously a risk. With that being said, Morant's talent is undeniable, and if he can stay healthy, his fit is clear alongside Anthony Edwards.
Morant can provide some extra perimeter shot creation, rim pressure, and playmaking. Now it's worth noting that Morant is shooting career lows in terms of rim attempts (3.2) and rim percentage (55.3). Still, at his best, Morant would be the perfect backcourt partner for Edwards.
I think a big reason why Minnesota remains interested in Morant is that he could be available for cheap. Unlike trading for other stars, it's possible the Wolves could land Ja while keeping Julius Randle and Jaden McDaniels. The Wolves' offer would likely be centered around Naz Reid, Mike Conley, and young talent. Now the Wolves would have to match Morant's $39.4 million salary, so it's tricky — but it's still possible.
In my eyes, trading for Ja is in the Wolves' best interest unless he shows some positive signs before the deadline. Likewise, I think trading for a role player would be the team's best move. Nevertheless, I understand wanting to buy low on Ja's upside.
Ultimately, though, whether the Grizzlies would be comfortable selling low on Ja remains a massive swing factor, as Fischer noted.