Minnesota Timberwolves fans have had their eyes set on a star trade this offseason. However, recent reporting from Jake Fischer should have fans tapering their expectations. Fischer noted that the Wolves are out of the running for Giannis Antetokounmpo and that Ayo Dosunmu is the biggest addition we can expect for Minnesota.
On top of this, Chris Finch mentioned that Terrence Shannon Jr. could be a possible solution to the Wolves' lack of a lead ball handler. Maybe the Wolves still make a big move -- I will never count Tim Connelly out.
Nevertheless, it's worth thinking about what it would mean if the Wolves don't make a major splash and instead bank on internal improvements from their existing roster. Based on Fischer's reporting and Finch's comments, this is a genuine possibility.
As the Timberwolves are looking to level up and become true contenders, leaning into internal development is a clear gamble.
Why the Timberwolves might bank on their current core improving
There's no denying that landing Anthony Edwards a more dependable co-star on the trade market is the most traditional route for the Wolves to improve their roster.
But what if they can't get this much-desired second option in return for Julius Randle or Rudy Gobert? Upgrading their depth and replenishing some of their future assets could be the Wolves' best move.
And given the Wolves' lack of draft capital, it's certainly possible that a swap for Randle or Gobert won't net Minnesota a co-star. Thus, it might not be worth it to cut into your depth, and/or mortgage your future to trade for a star.
If the Wolves embrace this direction, they would be betting one of their existing players will emerge as a second option to fill this void in the aggregate. Jaden McDaniels is the clearest candidate to step up into a second option role.
McDaniels is coming off a career-best season where he averaged 14.8 points and showed that he's a true three-level scorer. He did so while not being truly prioritized in the offense. Just imagine what McDaniels would look like as a true focal point of the offense -- it's an intriguing thought at the very least.
Averaging 17.8 points in the first-round against the Denver Nuggets offers some promise that he can scale up. Entering his true prime at 26, McDaniels could certainly have another level to reach.
Naz Reid, Ayo Dosunmu, and Terrence Shannon Jr. are other candidates to scale up with bigger roles. Joan Beringer, while not a creator, should have a bigger role next year.
The Wolves might not have a traditional co-star. Nevertheless, between these players and McDaniels, it's possible they fill this void collectively, all while giving Minnesota a path to build a long-term contender around Ant.
This, paired with the Wolves upgrading their depth with a Randle and possibly a Gobert trade, could give Minnesota a winning blueprint.
There's no denying the Wolves would be taking a risk with this strategy
It's absolutely a risk, though. We saw banking on internal growth backfire to a lesser extent this past season, with the Wolves' young talent unable to fill in the void left behind by Nickeil Alexander-Walker.
What if McDaniels proves to be best served in a supercharged complementary role, not a featured role? Is Shannon's decision-making up to par for a lead guard? Can Dosunmu be a consistent shot creator? These are valid questions.
Sure, we've seen flashes that each of these players could scale up, but the proof will be in the pudding if the Wolves go down this road.
In an ultra-competitive Western Conference, dependable secondary shot creation is a must, and in the playoffs, the Wolves showed that they need more creation and ball handling.
This could change with certain players earning bigger roles and adding some backcourt depth. Regardless, there's a chance that focusing on depth and internal development could cause the Wolves to take a step back rather than reach another level next year.
Without a doubt, if the Wolves don't trade for a star, banking on improvement from their current core is a dangerous yet possibly worthwhile proposition.
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