With the NBA trade deadline fast approaching, the market is finally starting to stir - and late Saturday night brought a deal that could have ripple effects across the league. In a three-team trade, the Cleveland Cavaliers acquired Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis from the Sacramento Kings in exchange for De’Andre Hunter. The Chicago Bulls stepped in to help facilitate the deal, taking on Dario Saric’s contract and landing two future second-round picks in the process.
Let’s break this down from a Minnesota Timberwolves perspective, because this is the kind of trade that could’ve made a real impact in the Twin Cities.
Ellis and Schroder: Missed Opportunities for Minnesota
Keon Ellis would’ve been a seamless fit in Minnesota. The Wolves have been searching for a reliable 3-and-D wing to replace what they lost in Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Ellis checks that box with confidence. He’s a high-energy defender who can knock down shots from deep - exactly the kind of player who could’ve shored up Minnesota’s second unit and taken some pressure off the starters.
Then there’s Dennis Schroder. While the Wolves haven’t been publicly linked to him, the fit is hard to ignore.
Schroder brings veteran poise, scoring punch, and the ability to run an offense - all things Minnesota could use behind (or even alongside) Mike Conley. With the Wolves in the thick of the Western Conference race, adding a steady ball-handler like Schroder could’ve been a difference-maker come playoff time.
Why This Deal Could’ve Worked for the Wolves
Looking at what Sacramento got in return - De’Andre Hunter - there’s a case to be made that Minnesota could’ve put together a comparable (and maybe even more appealing) package. Hunter, while talented, is in the midst of a down year.
He’s shooting just 42.3% from the field and 30.8% from three, and his defensive impact has noticeably dipped. On top of that, his contract is both longer and more expensive than the deals Minnesota would’ve had to move.
A hypothetical Wolves offer built around Rob Dillingham, Mike Conley, and some draft capital might’ve been enough to get Sacramento’s attention. Conley’s expiring deal offers financial flexibility, Dillingham brings upside as a young guard, and even a couple of second-rounders could’ve sweetened the pot. For a Kings team that seems to be flirting with a reset, that’s not a bad return.
Of course, it’s possible Minnesota did make a push and Sacramento just preferred Hunter. But there’s also a chance the Wolves never made the call - and that’s where things get interesting.
The Conley Conundrum
Trading Mike Conley would be a tough pill to swallow in the locker room. He’s a respected leader, a calming presence, and still a productive player.
Reports suggest the Wolves aren’t eager to move him, and that’s understandable. But from a pure basketball standpoint, moving Conley in the right deal could be the key to unlocking this team’s full potential.
If Minnesota is serious about contending - and the interest in Giannis Antetokounmpo suggests they are - then tough decisions may be necessary. Even if a blockbuster doesn’t materialize, the Wolves still have a window to improve around the margins. And that’s where a move like this - adding two rotation-ready players without giving up a cornerstone - could’ve been a smart play.
What’s Next for Minnesota?
With Schroder and Ellis off the board, one option is gone. But the need remains.
Minnesota’s bench could use another two-way wing. They could use a backup point guard who can control tempo and create offense.
And if they’re not going all-in on a superstar trade, then making savvy, depth-building moves is the next best path forward.
There’s still time before the deadline, and opportunities will continue to pop up. But if the Wolves want to capitalize on their current momentum, they’ll need to stay aggressive - and maybe a little bold. Because in a loaded Western Conference, standing pat rarely gets you where you want to go.