The Minnesota Timberwolves feel primed to make a move ahead of the February 5 trade deadline. While much of the buzz right now is around Giannis Antetokounmpo, I think a move around the edges is more likely given the Wolves' lack of draft capital and high payroll. The Wolves' guard depth will be the most likely area they'll look to upgrade ahead of the deadline.
Minnesota has been linked to several guards, with the team's focus being on mid-tier or low-salaried players. Based on recent reporting from Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype, Coby White, Collin Sexton, and Ayo Dosunmu are three names to watch. He also indicated the Wolves don't want to trade Donte DiVincenzo, Naz Reid, or Jaden McDaniels, unless it's for a star.
In addition to Scotto's reporting, Jake Fischer reported that the Wolves "aren't keen" on trading Mike Conley. Given these reports, trading for Sexton or White is unlikely (unless something changes), leaving Dosunmu as the most logical trade target to solve the Wolves' guard problem.
Dosunmu is an ideal fit with the Wolves
Listen, I would be open to trading Conley (especially for Sexton), and perhaps they still will. Nevertheless, as it currently stands, this doesn't seem like the most likely outcome, and given the guards we know Minnesota has interest in, Dosunmu is the most likely target.
It's fair to want a bigger move, but there's no denying that Dosunmu has an ideal skill set for the Wolves' needs. Dosunmu is more of a combo guard than a pure point guard. He is a knockdown 3-point shooter, netting 44.5 percent of his triples this season. Plus, Dosunmu provides a strong impact as a perimeter defender. As noted, he's not a classic lead guard, but he is still a trustworthy playmaker and ball handler.
Frankly, I don't think the Wolves need a massive trade to put together another deep playoff run (and perhaps even get over the championship hump). Minnesota ranks within the top 10 for both offensive and defensive rating -- which is a clear sign that they're title contenders. Furthermore, with Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle, they have ample star power as well. Their top-six overall is championship caliber, and they're a proven playoff team.
Simply upgrading their guard depth could set up the Wolves for another deep playoff run. A package centered around Rob Dillingham, Terrence Shannon Jr., and some second-round picks could entice the Bulls, who could be on the verge of rebuilding.
Ultimately, Dosunmu is a clear target for the Wolves ahead of the deadline, and right now, he seems like the most realistic addition on the market.