Timberwolves make stance on Jaden McDaniels crystal clear in thrilling trade rumor

Amid a 10-7 start, back-to-back late game collapses, and a winless record against above .500 teams, Minnesota Timberwolves fans are already starting to think about the trade deadline. However, even if they make a big move, Timberwolves fans wouldn't want to move off of Jaden McDaniels, who is currently enjoying a career year.

Recently, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype discussed the Wolves' mindset regarding trades, and he confirmed that the Wolves are unlikely to trade McDaniels.

"Timberwolves superstar Anthony Edwards is considered untouchable by the franchise, while forward Jaden McDaniels is viewed as close to untouchable as well, Scotto reported. While Edwards and McDaniels are viewed as young pillars for the Timberwolves, Minnesota’s due diligence on Morant signaled the team’s desire to upgrade at point guard and will continue to be on the agenda leading up to the trade deadline."

This report confirms two big things: McDaniels is staying put and that the Wolves will likely pursue a trade for a star point guard at the deadline.

McDaniels is rightfully untouchable

Scotto also noted that Timberwolves president of basketball operations Tim Connelly has previously been aggressive in the trade market. I'm sure many Wolves fans would like to pursue a big trade, especially for a point guard. Regardless, trading McDaniels should be off the table, and Scotto's reporting confirmed this. As a result, this report should delight Wolves fans for two reasons.

At 25, McDaniels is averaging 16.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 3.6 stocks on 53.1/44.6/85.4 shooting splits. Outside of rebounds, all of these numbers are career highs for McDaniels, which includes a 4.3 ppg leap from last season. He has shown a lot more aggression as a creator and an ability to consistently knock down the 3-point shot.

This, combined with McDaniels' elite and versatile defense, makes him a clear franchise cornerstone. McDaniels' defense is especially valuable since Rudy Gobert could be a trade candidate if the Wolves make a big move.

McDaniels and Edwards have spent their entire career together. Their playstyles are perfectly complementary to each other, and building with those two in mind is logical.

The Wolves could still make a big move without trading McDaniels

Julius Randle not being included in the Wolves' untouchable list is notable. Randle is having arguably the best season of his career, averaging 24.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists on 51.5/35.7/82.9 shooting splits. His shot creation and playmaking have been vital to the Wolves' success and make him an ideal co-star next to Edwards.

Still, keeping Randle open if the right trade target emerges is understandable. The Wolves desperately need a point guard with Mike Conley aging and Rob Dillingham unable to earn a bigger role, and Randle could be the clearest path to getting a PG.

The three main point guards who are rumored to be available as of now are Ja Morant, Trae Young, and LaMelo Ball. The Wolves have checked in on Morant, as Scotto confirmed.

To me, trading Randle for any of these players would be a non-starter. If this costs the Wolves a chance at one of them, so be it. Young would be the one I'd most consider, but Ball and Morant are too injury-prone.

However, if a better player becomes available, then trading Randle could make sense. Outside of Randle, Naz Reid, and Gobert are the most logical trade candidates for Minnesota.

Nevertheless, the biggest part of this report from Scotto is that McDaniels is staying put even if the Wolves make a big move.