Timberwolves just saw a trade audition that Tim Connelly might not be able to ignore

Stop me if you've heard this before: the Minnesota Timberwolves need a point guard. Okay, that's probably the worst-kept secret around the team right now, but it's still true. With the NBA trade deadline being exactly two months away, Wolves fans are already cooking up mock trades for the team to land a point guard.

However, unless the Wolves are ready to part ways with some key players from their core, trading for a star is unlikely. Frankly, I don't think this team needs a star guard, and a high-quality role player could make a significant difference.

After back-to-back games against the New Orleans Pelicans, Jose Alvarado seems like a logical trade target. Alvarado's not perfect, but he could be a low-cost trade target who could play an impactful role for the Timberwolves.

During the Pelicans' recent two-game series with the Wolves, Alvarado averaged 13.5 points, 1.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.5 steals. These two recent impressive games could very well further put Alvarado on the radar of Tim Connelly and the Timberwolves. For the season, Alvarado is posting solid averages of 9.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and a steal with 43.4/38.7/88.2 shooting splits.

Alvarado would solve a lot of problems for the Timberwolves

The Wolves' lack of point guard play is a real problem. At 38, Mike Conley has looked like a shell of himself, averaging 5.5 points on 37.9 percent shooting from the field. Conversely, second-year guard Rob Dillingham hasn't been able to provide impactful minutes. The Wolves' lack of quality point guard play hurts them especially in late-game situations.

Alvarado isn't an elite playmaker, but he is a trusted ball handler who can help stabilize the Wolves' offense. For his career, Alvarado averages 22.1 assist percentage and a 12.4 turnover percentage. Alvarado is also a solid finisher, shooting 64 percent at the rim. And as D'Angelo Russell learned when he played in Minnesota, Alvarado can shoot. Notably, Jose is shooting an impressive 38.7 percent from 3-point land this year.

What Alvarado is most known for, though, is his stifling defense. It's rare to say this about a 6-foot guard, but when watching Alvarado, his intensity stands out. And the Wolves just saw firsthand how challenging Alvarado is to go against. Alvarado's relentless motor earned him the fitting and legendary nickname: Grand Theft Alvarado.

He gets in players' grill on the ball and is incredibly disruptive despite his size. According to Databllr, Alvarado has ranked in the 90th percentile for deflections per 100 possessions every year except this season.

For a Wolves squad that has struggled in the non-Rudy Gobert minutes, having a pesky perimeter defender would be beneficial. This, paired with the other positive aspects of Alvarado's games, makes him a no-brainer trade target for Minnesota. He is on a $4.5 million deal with a player option after this season, so the financial impact would be limited for a Wolves team that already has a high payroll.

The Pelicans may be open to trading Alvarado with Dejounte Murray presumably returning from injury, and since rookie Jeremiah Fears has been highly impressive. Getting some form of draft capital and/or young talent would benefit the Pelicans. Ultimately, ahead of the deadline, Alvarado is a clear target for the Wolves.