As long as Tim Connelly is running the show, the Minnesota Timberwolves will always be linked to star talent. Still, it's hard to find an ideal star trade for them, especially with Kyrie Irving seemingly off the market. Furthermore, reporting from The Athletic states that both Jaden McDaniels and Joan Beringer are off limits even in a trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo.
It's not a shocker that McDaniels is off limits; his two-way value is immense, but Beringer being unavailable is curious given that he didn't play much as a rookie. While I understand being hesitant to give up on a 19-year-old, this strong belief must be backed up by a bigger role, which is all the more likely to happen if Minnesota commits to a youth movement of sorts.
Likewise, the Wolves also reportedly are attached to their 26-and-under core of Anthony Edwards, Naz Reid, McDaniels and Beringer. Assuming they re-sign him, Ayo Dosunmu could be included in this group, as well.
What this tells me is that the Wolves are going to have a tough time landing a star and perhaps they aren't as focused on this goal as it may seem. Now, some roster changes are bound to happen with Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert being the clear trade candidates.
With how much the Wolves believe in their young players, though, I think it's possible we see them focus on complementary players around Ant who are on his timeline instead of chasing a star.
Not adding a star has clear pros and cons for the Timberwolves
This sounds intriguing. The Wolves could bolster their depth and build a team that is suited to compete for years to come. Plus, they could find their second option through internal growth.
At the same time, it's risky. The playoffs showed that the Wolves could stand to benefit from a true No. 2 option alongside Ant. If the Wolves don't add a star, take a step back in the standings and lose in the first-round, there will start to be some fair questions about the front office.
I can't emphasize enough how much fit matters when building a championship team. Given that McDaniels, Reid and Ayo are all perfect fits (and Beringer projects to be with a larger role), I'm all for keeping the group intact.
However, there's no denying that having Randle and Gobert as your primary trade targets will limit the moves you can make for stars, especially when considering your lack of draft capital.
As such, if the Wolves make a trade, it will likely be for a flawed star such as Ja Morant or Dejounte Murray. Sure, both players would fill the Wolves' need for ball-handling and creation, but their injury history and poor shooting are fair concerns.
With a Giannis trade likely off the table, Kawhi Leonard could be the next big name the Wolves chase. But would Kawhi want to play in Minnesota? And what about his injury history?
The point being, the Wolves might not be able to find an ideal star and if they can't, it would be understandable to prioritize fit.
Trading for someone like Jalen Suggs would help aid the Wolves' need for another ball-handler and he's an amazing complementary player. Again, though, there's risk in not adding a true co-star when the lack of creation around Ant was a key reason for Minnesota's second-round exit.
And even if the trade was made for financial purposes, it certainly stings seeing Karl-Anthony Towns blossom with the NBA Champion New York Knicks, while Randle flamed out in the playoffs.
There's no such thing as a risk-averse offseason for the Wolves and banking on internal growth to reach the next level would be risky after a highly successful three-year run. For better or worse, though, I think the Wolves might prioritize internal growth and roster fit over star power.
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