Despite making back-to-back conference finals appearances, the Minnesota Timberwolves' main flaw is undoubtedly their point guard position. It's only preseason, but the Wolves have now committed 20-plus turnovers in back-to-back games. Regardless, the Wolves' point guard room was a well-discussed flaw throughout the offseason.
Mike Conley will be 38 when the season starts. Naturally, he's showing some signs of decline, especially as a self-creator. On the other end of the spectrum, Rob Dillingham is entering his second season and doesn't seem ready for a massive role. Notably, through three preseason games, Dillingham is averaging just 6.7 points, on 28.6 percent shooting from the field.
Perhaps Conley turns back the clock, or Dillingham progresses nicely and proves he can contribute at a high level. Maybe even, Bones Hyland carves out a meaningful role. I wouldn't count these scenarios out, especially Dillingham, given his upside as a self-creator.
Nevertheless, if point guard play continues to hurt Minnesota, they may have to upgrade this position at the trade deadline.
The Wolves trading for a point guard seems to be likey
The Wolves prioritized continuity all offseason. Doing so was understandable as the Wolves are coming off a conference finals run. After trading two future first-round picks to land Dillingham in 2024, they have to see what they have with him. Still, if Dillingham doesn't prove that he is ready for a sizable role on a contending team, Tim Connelly and company can't let him get in the way of their title goals.
As a result, it seems likely that Minnesota will look to trade for a point guard at the deadline. The Wolves pursued Malcolm Brogdon in free agency, and they also displayed interest in Bradley Beal, so it's clear they aren't totally satisfied with their guard room.
Of course, many Timberwolves fans would love to trade for a star guard, but that's easier said than done. Darius Garland, De'Aaron Fox, and Dejounte Murray (assuming health) are three high-end targets. Nonetheless, I don't view it as likely that these players, especially Garland and Fox, who are the best targets, will be available.
Frankly, it's not a bad thing if the Timberwolves can't land a star guard. It's hard to match the salary of a star, and having a core mesh together on the fly isn't ideal. The Wolves truly only need a high-quality rotational guard next to Anthony Edwards. Tyus Jones, Ty Jerome, Spencer Dinwiddie, Miles McBride, and Coby White are five names I could see fitting nicely and possibly becoming available.
Regardless of who the player is, it wouldn't surprise anyone if the Wolves trade for a point guard at the deadline.