Yes, it was two years ago when the Minnesota Timberwolves made a blockbuster trade that was announced in late September involving Karl-Anthony Towns and Julius Randle. Obviously, that was very late in the offseason, which caused it to catch so many fans off guard.
The possibility remains that Tim Connelly might not be wheeling and dealing before the regular season begins. It’s likely that he’s tried to deal for a power forward—an obvious need for the team—but he is having difficulty doing so.
Knowing his history, if it’s still a clear issue, Connelly will likely find a way to acquire one by the trade deadline if he is unable to do so by opening night.
Connelly has made trade deadline moves in the past to improve the club
In three of the four years leading up to the trade deadline, Connelly has pulled off a deal.
In 2023, the Wolves were looking for a steadier point guard than D’Angelo Russell, so they traded him for Mike Conley and also received Nickeil Alexander-Walker.
It was a more minor trade the following year, as the need for a backup point guard was obvious, so the team acquired Monte Morris. Last year, Ayo Dosunmu was brought in to fulfill the need for more bench production and another ball handler.
So fans shouldn't be all that concerned if nothing major is done with the position before the 2026-27 season begins. More names—and probably more notable names—will likely become available as the trade deadline nears.
Surveying the league, there don’t seem to be many obvious trade candidates at the power forward position. The Indiana Pacers have both Obi Toppin and Jarace Walker behind Pascal Siakam. Likewise, the Dallas Mavericks logjam at forward could make P.J. Washington a trade candidate. Former Wolves player Jarred Vanderbilt seems to be readily available. Los Angeles with the Lakers. The point being there should be some options at the deadline.
Minnesota still has time to sign someone as well. The problem is that there isn’t much available on the free-agent market. The Wolves signed Trey Lyles a few weeks ago, but it’s unclear how much of a role he will play after a year away from the NBA.
It’s still unknown who will even begin the year as Minnesota’s starting power forward. Maybe starting a nontraditional power forward will work out. Regardless, if the need to bring one in clearly presents itself, Connelly will ensure it happens by early February.
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