The Minnesota Timberwolves' season reached a low point on Saturday night as they lost to the lowly Brooklyn Nets. That isn't to say the Wolves haven't had any high points or that at 20-12 they're a complete disappointment. However, it's clear that, as currently constructed, this roster isn't suited to make another deep playoff run, and they need some sort of shake-up ahead of February's trade deadline.
I don't even think it has to be a blockbuster trade; this core has proven that they're capable of making a deep playoff run. Notably, the Wolves' starting five has an impressive plus-9.5 net rating.
Regardless, the Wolves' lack of depth and point guard play are problematic. Currently, the Wolves have seven trusted rotation players, with one surprisingly being Bones Hyland, who was out of the rotation until December. Maybe this number increases to eight if you count Jaylen Clark, but Chris Finch's actions tell a different story.
The Wolves rank 27th in bench points and 28th in bench minutes. Naz Reid accounts for an absurd 43.6 percent of the team's bench points. Tim Connelly must make some sort of trade to fix this lack of depth ahead of the trade deadline.
The Timberwolves need to upgrade their bench
Point guard is undoubtedly the biggest area of need for the Wolves. Hyland has been a revelation for the Wolves, but having just one rotational point guard isn't ideal. Plus, he's not the steady playmaking presence the Wolves need. Mike Conley has declined immensely, and his role in the rotation is starting to decline. Second-year guard Rob Dillingham has failed to prove that he's deserving of a bigger role.
Ahead of the trade deadline, most Timberwolves rumors will be around this point guard position, and understandably so. With a plethora of stars, including Ja Morant, LaMelo Ball, Darius Garland, James Harden, and Trae Young, all possibly being available, the Wolves will surely be linked to all of them. However, all of these guards have clear risk, and a quality rotational player is all they need. Players like Tre Jones or Jose Alvarado are names I'd have an eye on.
Despite point guard being the most notable need, it's not the only one for Minnesota. The Timberwolves have struggled in the non-Rudy Gobert minutes; they are a shocking 16.4 points per 100 possessions worse on defense with him off the court. This is the league's most significant on/off swing. As such, trading for a true backup five would be logical.
However, this isn't as likely as trading for a PG, especially with rookie Joan Beringer looming.
Trading for a backup wing to fill the never-ending Nickeil Alexander-Walker void should also be considered. Again, I don't view this as likely as a trade for a point guard, but given their need for bench production, if a solid rotational wing is available, Connelly should pick up the phone.
Ultimately, the Wolves must make a trade to upgrade their struggling bench.