Minnesota Timberwolves fans want the team to trade for a star. However, that might be easier said than done, given their lack of draft capital, high payroll, and the uncertain value of their top trade candidates. Truthfully, there's no perfect candidate, and they'll have to be comfortable taking some sort of risk if they trade for a star.
When it comes to risky trade targets the Timberwolves could have their eyes on this summer, Ja Morant should be at the top of that list. Between his ongoing injury concerns, decline in production, and previous off-court issues, there are plenty of fans who want nothing to do with Morant wearing Wolves colors next season, and I understand them.
However, I would welcome the idea of a Morant-Wolves trade for a few reasons. For one, I believe more than anyone, he needs a change of scenery and to be in a winning culture. I also think it would be disingenuous to write off a former All-NBA point guard who is only 26 years old without giving him a chance in a new situation.
The criticisms are loud, and they're valid, but the Wolves will have to take a risk one way or another this offseason, and if they strike out on the less risky names, it could lead them to trying their hand at a Morant and Anthony Edwards backcourt, which, you can't lie, sounds pretty electric.
Why Ja Morant could be a solution to the Timberwolves' problems
The Wolves need someone who can make their teammates' lives easier, and that is exactly what Morant does. Despite a pretty awful year by his standards last year, he averaged an impressive 8.1 assists per game (and 3.6 turnovers). With Morant being a number two option on the Wolves instead of a number one option like he was with the Memphis Grizzlies, I would expect those turnover numbers to go down, too.
The Edwards point guard experiment should be over with after this year. He's a lot of incredible things, but he isn't a point guard. Forcing him to play point guard caused his defense to dip, as did his assist numbers.
Having a player like Morant next to him, who is a natural at getting his teammates good looks, will do wonders not only for Edwards but for everyone else.
Morant also gives the Wolves someone who can break the paint at will and generate good looks for himself in the floater range and around the rim.
He's never going to be an elite shooter, but positive regression should be in play after the abysmal year he had last year from three. Even if he hovers around 34% from distance, that is still respectable.
Morant will likely cost next to nothing to acquire
The Grizzlies are nosediving towards a rebuild, signaled by trading Desmond Bane for a bundle of draft capital last offseason, and doing the same with Jaren Jackson Jr at the deadline.
They have a few young building blocks in Cedric Coward, Zach Edey, and the third overall pick in this year's draft. Morant's time in Memphis is likely over, with both sides seeming like they are ready for a clean slate.
Given his recent injury history, I can't imagine the Grizzlies getting much more than matching salary and maybe a protected first rounder/second round picks in exchange for Morant. If that is indeed the price, the Wolves might have to look into it.
With Julius Randle likely on his way out, Morant could give this team a much higher ceiling than Randle ever could.
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