The Minnesota Timberwolves feel primed to trade for a point guard ahead of the February 5 deadline. However, they aren't going to overpay for one. It's been reported that Minnesota isn't looking to add a high-salaried or star-level PG. As such, Tim Connelly and company are focusing on mid-tier and minimum-salaried guards. Given the players who are available, I think this makes a lot of sense.
With the idea of adding a star out of the picture, the likes of Collin Sexton and Coby White become high-end targets, while guys such as Tre Jones, Jose Alvarado, and Kris Dunn are realistic, cheaper targets. I wouldn't trade anyone in the top six of the Timberwolves' rotation for any of these players. And while he hasn't played much, rookie Joan Beringer shouldn't be traded either -- his upside is simply too high.
The Timberwolves can keep their top six intact and add an impact player
Now you might say this is unrealistic and that Donte DiVincenzo, particularly, should be seen as a trade candidate. Nevertheless, I think DiVincenzo is a flat-out, all-around better player than Sexton and White. If the Charlotte Hornets or the Chicago Bulls are asking for DiVincenzo in return -- forget about it.
With Sexton and White both entering free agency this summer, the Wolves actually have some leverage and thus won't be forced to overpay. In the case of the cheaper contracts, it should be self-explanatory why the Wolves shouldn't trade any member of their top-six.
Currently, Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels are the only players listed as untouchable. On the surface, I think that makes a lot of sense, and if a star player was available who made sense to shake up their core for -- of course, that should change the Wolves' approach.
However, breaking the bank for someone like Ja Morant would be a disastrous mistake, especially given the Wolves' limited depth. There's simply no player who is good enough, both talent and fit-wise, for the Wolves to gut their depth for.
The Timberwolves' primary trade candidates are Mike Conley's expiring contract, Rob Dillingham, and Terrence Shannon Jr. While they don't have much draft capital, they can also include some picks to sweeten the deal.
This might not sound like much. Regardless, for the players the Timberwolves are targeting, some combination of young talent, picks, and Conley's contract, if need be, could certainly be enough to strike a deal.
For a team with such limited depth, it makes sense to prioritize keeping an elite top-six together while adding a trustworthy rotational point guard. Ultimately, this addition could help the Wolves reach another level. Thankfully, this seems like a realistic possibility and not just a Timberwolves' pipe dream.