The Minnesota Timberwolves are staring down the trade deadline with a clear message flashing in bold: reinforcements are needed - and fast.
After dropping five straight, their longest losing skid since 2022, the cracks in Minnesota’s backcourt rotation are starting to widen. The Wolves have leaned heavily on Anthony Edwards to carry the offensive load, but the supporting cast behind him just isn’t holding up its end of the bargain.
Mike Conley, the veteran floor general, has struggled to stay effective, Bones Hyland remains a rollercoaster of inconsistency, and Rob Dillingham hasn’t been able to earn a spot in the rotation. That’s left Minnesota without a reliable secondary ball-handler - a glaring issue for a team with championship aspirations.
Enter the Chicago Bulls.
According to reports, the Bulls are open for business, with both Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu drawing interest from around the league - and the Timberwolves are firmly in the mix. Both guards are on expiring deals, which could drive down the asking price and make them attractive trade targets for a team like Minnesota, which doesn’t have a ton of flexibility but does have pieces to work with.
Let’s break this down.
Ayo Dosunmu: The Seamless Fit
If Minnesota’s priority is finding a plug-and-play contributor who complements their current core, Ayo Dosunmu checks a lot of boxes. He’s shooting a scorching 45.7% from three - a number that speaks for itself - and he doesn’t need the ball in his hands to make an impact. That’s a big deal when you already have a high-usage star like Edwards.
More importantly, Dosunmu brings it on the defensive end. He’s a tenacious perimeter defender who can guard multiple positions and bring energy to a second unit that’s lacked bite.
He’s not going to run your offense, but in a system where Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns are already initiating a lot of the action, that might actually be a plus. He fits the mold of a low-maintenance, high-impact role player - and Minnesota could use a few more of those.
Coby White: The Upside Swing
Now, if the Wolves want to roll the dice on a more dynamic offensive weapon, Coby White is the name to watch. He’s shown flashes of being a high-level scorer and playmaker, with the kind of shot creation that could elevate Minnesota’s offense in key moments. White has the ability to take over stretches of a game - something the Wolves have lacked when Edwards is off the floor or facing heavy pressure.
But there’s a catch. White’s next contract could be a big one, and Minnesota will need to weigh whether they’re ready to commit long-term to a player who, while talented, hasn’t fully proven himself as a consistent lead guard. Still, if the Wolves are serious about making a deep playoff push, adding a player with White’s offensive ceiling might be worth the risk.
What It Might Take
The good news for Minnesota? They have some flexibility.
A package involving Conley’s contract, a young prospect, and draft capital could be enough to get a deal done - especially if the Bulls are motivated to move expiring deals and reset their roster. The Timberwolves don’t need to mortgage their future to make a meaningful upgrade, but they do need to act decisively.
Bottom Line
The Wolves are in a position where standing pat just isn’t an option. They’ve built a roster capable of competing in the West, but the backcourt depth - or lack thereof - is threatening to derail that potential. Whether it’s Dosunmu’s steady two-way presence or White’s offensive firepower, Minnesota has to find a way to bring in help before the deadline.
The Bulls have guards to spare. The Wolves have a need that’s only getting more urgent. Now it’s up to Minnesota’s front office to make the kind of move that keeps their season - and their championship hopes - on track.