If there was a roster flaw heading into the season for the Minnesota Timberwolves, it was undoubtedly their point guard play. 17 games in, that concern has turned into a dreadful prophecy. Amid a 10-7 start and back-to-back late-game meltdowns, it's clear that the Wolves need a point guard.
38-year-old Mike Conley is averaging a career low 6 points per game while shooting 39.7 percent from the field. Conversely, second-year guard Rob Dillingham is averaging just .4 more minutes per game while also shooting below 40 percent from the field. Anthony Edwards needs a dependable backcourt mate, and this roster doesn't give him that.
At this point, Wolves fans are already dreaming of trading for a point guard, and these dreams very well could become a reality. According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Wolves will continue to be on the lookout for a point guard ahead of the trade deadline.
"Timberwolves superstar Anthony Edwards is considered untouchable by the franchise, while forward Jaden McDaniels is viewed as close to untouchable as well, Scotto reported. While Edwards and McDaniels are viewed as young pillars for the Timberwolves, Minnesota’s due diligence on Morant signaled the team’s desire to upgrade at point guard and will continue to be on the agenda leading up to the trade deadline."
The Timberwolves will pursue a point guard upgrade
Scotto's report confirms what Wolves fans have long been hoping for. He also mentioned that Timberwolves president of basketball operations Tim Connelly has been aggressive in the trade market since arriving in Minnesota in 2022. As a result, a big move could be on the horizon.
It's also significant that Scotto mentioned the Wolves view McDaniels as "close to untouchable." This should also delight Wolves fans as McDaniels has taken a significant offensive leap, averaging 16.5 points while remaining one of the best defenders in the league. Given Scotto's report, Julius Randle, Rudy Gobert, and Naz Reid could all be on the table.
Scotto confirmed that the Wolves have checked in on Ja Morant, who appears to be unhappy in Memphis. With Trae Young and LaMelo Ball also in trade speculation, it wouldn't surprise anyone if the Wolves display interest in one of these guards. Personally, though, I wouldn't move Randle for any of these three, especially Morant or Ball.
However, if a better star guard becomes available, it makes sense that the Wolves could look to move off Randle. That's a big if, though, and I'm not sure if any other star guard will become available. Randle is having a career season, averaging 24.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 5.8 assists. I wouldn't be quick to trade him unless you can find a clear upgrade.
While Connelly has a flair for blockbuster trades, a high-level role player would be a significant upgrade. Tre Jones is the first name that comes to my mind; Dennis Schroder could be another option. Let us not forget that this Wolves' core went to the conference finals last season. Simply adding an impactful role player could make a world of difference.
Regardless of the caliber of player, it's fair to believe that the Wolves will trade for a point guard at some point this season.