The Minnesota Timberwolves are exploring ways to solidify their backcourt for both the present and the future - and the latest trade chatter suggests they’re pivoting away from the flashier names in favor of a more reliable, steady hand. Instead of making a run at Coby White, the Wolves are reportedly eyeing Tre Jones as a potential fit alongside Anthony Edwards.
The thinking here is clear: Minnesota wants a point guard who can protect the ball, defend his position, and complement Edwards without needing to dominate the offense. Tre Jones checks those boxes. He’s not going to light up the scoreboard, but he brings a level of consistency and control that this Timberwolves team - one with real postseason aspirations - could use in the backcourt.
To get Jones, Minnesota would reportedly send a pair of young prospects, Rob Dillingham and Terrence Shannon Jr., to Chicago. It’s a classic win-now versus build-for-later type of deal. Dillingham is raw but electric, while Shannon’s trajectory has been a bit bumpier due to injuries.
After a strong showing in summer league, Shannon’s stock took a hit thanks to a lingering foot issue and some shooting struggles. That foot strain, which sidelined him since late December, had cast a shadow over his immediate future - until now.
In a much-needed development for both Shannon and the Timberwolves’ front office, the 23-year-old has been medically cleared for full-contact 5-on-5 activity. That’s a big step forward.
He’ll begin a rehab assignment with the Iowa Wolves and is expected to suit up for their game against the Austin Spurs on Tuesday, February 10. After that, he’ll be re-evaluated during the All-Star Break to determine whether he’s ready to rejoin the NBA rotation.
That internal boost could help Minnesota’s depth, especially if Shannon can recapture his summer league form. But the front office isn’t just banking on internal development - they’re also keeping tabs on a familiar veteran who could bring immediate leadership and poise to the roster.
Enter Mike Conley Jr.
There’s growing buzz around the league that the Timberwolves could look to bring back the 38-year-old floor general. Thanks to NBA regulations, Minnesota is allowed to re-sign Conley despite him being traded twice before hitting free agency. That opens the door for a potential return on a veteran minimum deal - a move that would not only add a steady hand to the backcourt but also offer some much-needed luxury tax relief.
Conley’s résumé speaks for itself. He spent over three seasons anchoring Minnesota’s backcourt, earning respect both in the locker room and around the league. His ability to manage the game, mentor younger guards, and perform in high-leverage moments would be a major asset as the Wolves gear up for a playoff push.
Between Shannon’s return to health, the Tre Jones trade discussions, and the potential reunion with Conley, Minnesota has multiple avenues to reinforce its backcourt. The next few weeks could go a long way in determining how seriously this team can contend in the West - and whether they’ve got the right mix of youth, defense, and veteran savvy to make a deep run.