The Minnesota Timberwolves are sitting in a strong spot-fourth in the Western Conference-and they’ve been active behind the scenes, scanning the trade market for ways to sharpen their roster. But if fans are dreaming about a blockbuster move for a big-name guard like Ja Morant or LaMelo Ball, it’s probably time to pump the brakes.
According to team sources, Minnesota is highly unlikely to pursue a major swing for either Morant or Ball before the trade deadline. And it’s not just about fit-it’s about finances and flexibility.
The Wolves are just a few million dollars shy of the NBA’s dreaded second tax apron, a line they’re determined to stay under heading into the 2025-26 season. Crossing it would trigger some of the league’s harshest penalties for repeat luxury spenders, including restrictions on trades and roster-building tools.
That’s not a path this front office wants to go down.
There’s also the matter of depth. Matching salaries for a star-level player like Morant or Ball would likely mean gutting key pieces of the rotation, something the Wolves are hesitant to do. This isn’t a team looking to blow things up-it’s a team trying to fine-tune a roster that’s already proven it can go deep in the playoffs.
Instead of a headline-grabbing trade, look for GM Tim Connelly to target a more modest addition-maybe a versatile wing or a secondary ballhandler who can ease the load on Anthony Edwards, especially in crunch time. That’s the kind of move that could help this team without disrupting its core identity.
And let’s be clear: the Timberwolves don’t feel desperate. Tuesday night’s blowout win over the Milwaukee Bucks was a reminder of just how dangerous this team can be when everything clicks.
Young players like Joan Beringer and Bones Hyland stepped up in a big way, showing flashes that could make Minnesota’s trade needs less urgent. As one player put it in the locker room celebration afterward, “We don’t need anything.
We’re a really, really good team.”
It’s hard to argue with that. This is a group that’s made back-to-back trips to the Western Conference Finals-falling to the Mavericks in 2024 and the Thunder in 2025-and they’ve done it with a balanced, deep roster built around Edwards’ explosive talent and a defense that travels.
As for Morant and Ball, both guards come with All-Star credentials and hefty contracts-$39.4 million for Morant, $37.9 million for Ball this season. Morant and the Grizzlies reportedly have mutual interest in a split, but Minnesota doesn’t appear to be in the mix. Ball, meanwhile, hasn’t given any indication he’s looking to leave Charlotte.
With the trade deadline set for February 5 at 3 p.m. ET, there’s still time for things to shift.
But as it stands, don’t expect the Timberwolves to chase a blockbuster. They’re focused on smart, strategic moves that keep them competitive now without compromising the future.
And given how they’ve played so far, that might be all they need.