The Minnesota Timberwolves have been active behind the scenes, but don’t expect fireworks before the trade deadline. Despite the buzz around potential blockbusters involving Ja Morant or LaMelo Ball, the Wolves aren’t biting - and for good reason.
Minnesota currently sits fourth in the Western Conference, and there’s a growing sense within the organization that the group they’ve assembled is worth protecting. According to team sources, the front office isn’t eager to shake up a roster that’s showing real cohesion and momentum. The Wolves are building something, and they’re not about to jeopardize that for a headline.
Let’s break down the key factors here. First, the financials.
Minnesota is just a few million shy of the second tax apron - and crossing that line in 2025-26 would trigger some serious penalties, especially for teams that repeatedly exceed it. This isn’t just about dollars and cents; it’s about long-term flexibility.
The league’s new collective bargaining agreement is designed to make life difficult for big spenders who don’t spend wisely. The Wolves are clearly thinking ahead.
Second, there’s the depth factor. To bring in a player on a max contract - like Morant ($39.4 million this season) or Ball ($37.9 million) - Minnesota would have to send out significant salary in return.
That likely means parting with key rotation players, which could undercut the very balance that’s helped fuel their rise. This isn’t a team that’s one superstar away.
It’s a team that’s thriving because of its chemistry, defense, and a rising star in Anthony Edwards.
That’s not to say the front office is standing pat. President of Basketball Operations Tim Connelly is still working the phones, but the focus is more on complementary pieces - think a wing or a secondary ballhandler who can help manage late-game pressure and take some load off Edwards. Even that search may be cooling, though, as some of the team’s younger players have stepped up in recent weeks and shown they can handle the moment.
After a recent statement win over Milwaukee, one player put it plainly: “We don’t need anything.” That kind of confidence doesn’t come from nowhere - it’s earned. And it reflects a locker room that believes in what it’s building.
As for Morant and Ball, both remain under contract and haven’t made any public push to leave their current teams. Morant has been linked to several potential suitors, but nothing has gained real traction. Ball, meanwhile, remains in Charlotte with no clear signs of a move on the horizon.
Bottom line: The Timberwolves are keeping their eyes open, but they’re not chasing a big name just to make a splash. They’re playing smart, staying disciplined, and betting on the group they’ve got. So far, that bet is paying off.