The Minnesota Timberwolves’ need for a point guard has been well discussed, and ahead of February’s trade deadline, I’m sure this will continue to be the case. It’s a tough situation for the Wolves, though. After making two straight conference finals appearances, the Wolves aren’t that far away from winning a championship. Of course, trading for a star point guard would be the most ideal outcome. However, that would involve the Wolves trading away someone they don’t want to.
NBA insider Jake Fischer recently spoke to this during a livestream with Bleacher Report.
“Another name that’s interesting to me…Julius Randle, Fischer said. Just because we keep hearing about Minnesota wanting to poke around and go big-game hunting and look at all these guards. They’re only going to be able to do that if they part ways with one of Julius Randle and Naz Reid….we’ve heard repeatedly that Minnesota is a team to monitor, particularly in the guard market.”
Based on contracts and the tea leaves around the Wolves, a trade for a star guard has to involve Randle or Reid. However, trading either player for the star point guards would be too risky in my eyes. Fischer specifically mentioned how the Wolves have been linked to Ja Morant, but Trae Young and LaMelo Ball are two other stars who could be available.
The price point for the guards who are available is too high
Now, Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert are two more players who could be traded in a move for a star. Nevertheless, it’s been reported that the Wolves view McDaniels as close to untouchable. Regarding Gobert, he’s far too important to the Wolves’ defense, and at 33, opposing teams would like a younger centerpiece.
As a team in the first tax apron, the Wolves must match salaries in any trade. This means it wouldn’t be a Randle-for-Morant one-for-one swap. Either Donte DiVincenzo or Mike Conley would have to be included. If it were a deal around Reid, a young player would also need to be included.
That’s a lot to give up for an oft-injured “star” in Ja. The Memphis Grizzlies point guard has played in 65 or more games once in his career and is currently averaging a career low points per game. Likewise, Ball has played in 65 or more games once in his career and is averaging the lowest points per game since his second season.
Young is the one I’d be most open to. However, he is also the most expensive one of the bunch, both from a contract and trade standpoint. While the Wolves could trade Reid as the centerpiece for Ball or Ja, Randle would have to be the centerpiece of a Young trade. It’s also fair to wonder if his heliocentric playstyle would truly complement Anthony Edwards.
We know that Randle is a perfect co-star next to Ant. Frankly, we don’t know that about any of the star guards, so it’s not worth trading a dependable star and/or gutting your depth to land one of these players. Now, if someone like De’Aaron Fox became available, things could change. However, that is a long shot given how well the San Antonio Spurs have played.
With all of this being said, the Wolves could still trade for a high-level role player to fill their point guard void. Someone like Jose Alvarado or Tre Jones could be all the Wolves need. Coby White could be the best of both worlds. However, his upcoming free agency and lack of defense complicate things.
Ultimately, I doubt the Wolves will trade for a star guard, and I think that’s perfectly fine.
