Jaden McDaniels has been an essential part of the Minnesota Timberwolves' success. Even before his leap this season, I thought it would be unlikely that the Wolves would trade him. However, now that he has reached another level offensively, trading McDaniels seems impractical, especially with the available players. Luckily, the Wolves also view McDaniels in this light.
Last month, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reported that the Wolves view McDaniels as "close to untouchable," and now Jake Fischer is backing up this idea.
"Sources say that Minnesota is adamant that it will not be parting with Jaden McDaniels in any of its forthcoming business," Fischer reported.
McDaniels is averaging a career-high 15 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists on stellar 49.5/40/86.8 shooting splits. This, paired with McDaniels remaining one of the league's best defenders, makes him being untouchable incredibly logical.
McDaniels being untouchable makes a lot of sense
It's also worth noting that while McDaniels has taken a massive leap, the 25-year-old might still have another level to reach. 26 or 27 is when most players enter their true prime. Given this and McDaniels' immense value defensively, holding on to him is wise.
Even if he didn't reach new heights offensively, I would understand labeling McDaniels as untouchable. He is one of the league's best point-of-attack defenders with impressive versatility. Those players don't grow on trees, and if you are trading him for an offensive-minded point guard, that would pose significant defensive questions.
As much as I love McDaniels, if a trade could net the Wolves a two-way superstar, trading him would be understandable. Nevertheless, there's no such player on the trade market, thus trade talks around McDaniels should be a non-starter.
Who could the Wolves trade if they chase a star?
If the Wolves indeed make a massive trade, it's fair to expect that it would be for a point guard. It's not a secret that Ja Morant, LaMelo Ball, and Trae Young could be available, but James Harden or Darius Garland are two other names to watch. The Wolves making a blockbuster trade for any of these players would have to involve Julius Randle, Naz Reid, or Rudy Gobert, with McDaniels out of the picture.
Frankly, with the players available, I would view Randle as untouchable, too. Randle is an ideal complement next to Anthony Edwards, and he's been better than all of these players (except perhaps the 36-year-old Harden) this season.
Fischer reported the Wolves would have to part ways with either Randle or Reid, implying that teams wouldn't be interested in Gobert. That's somewhat of a blessing in disguise, given his immense importance to the Wolves' defense.
Of the players available, I would be most open to trading for Young or Garland, given age and consistency. However, would the Atlanta Hawks or Cleveland Cavaliers be open to landing Naz Reid back as the centerpiece of a deal? I kind of doubt it.
Whether the Wolves make a big trade or not, McDaniels is here to stay, which should delight fans.