With the NBA trade deadline fast approaching, the Minnesota Timberwolves find themselves in a familiar position: contenders with a few roster questions that could make the difference between a deep playoff run and an early exit. Chief among those questions is the point guard rotation - a group currently headlined by Mike Conley, Bones Hyland, and rookie Rob Dillingham. While Conley brings veteran savvy and Dillingham has promise, this trio doesn’t scream “championship-caliber” just yet.
That’s why the Wolves are exploring upgrades - not splashy, superstar-level moves, but smart, mid-tier additions that can elevate the floor and complement the core. One name that continues to surface in league circles: Collin Sexton.
Sexton Rising as a Target
Minnesota’s interest in Sexton isn’t new. It was first reported weeks ago and has since been confirmed by multiple insiders around the league.
The Wolves reportedly did their due diligence on Ja Morant earlier this season, but that pursuit has cooled - likely due to financial constraints and the complexities that come with acquiring a franchise-level player midseason. Instead, Sexton, currently on an expiring $18.98 million deal, presents a more realistic and intriguing target.
He checks a lot of boxes for what Minnesota needs right now: scoring punch, defensive intensity, and the ability to play both on and off the ball. He’s not a traditional floor general, but he brings enough playmaking to keep the offense humming - and more importantly, he does it with a relentless energy that fits perfectly with the Wolves’ defensive identity.
Why Sexton Fits This Roster
Sexton is averaging 14.9 points, 2 rebounds, and 4.1 assists this season, shooting an efficient 48.5% from the field, 38.3% from three, and 87.1% from the free-throw line. Those numbers don’t just look good - they speak to a player who’s figured out how to contribute in multiple ways without dominating the ball.
He’s also finishing at an elite level around the rim, converting nearly 70% of his shots in close - a testament to his burst and fearlessness when attacking the paint. That’s something the Wolves could use more of, especially when defenses key in on Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle. Sexton’s ability to space the floor (he’s hitting nearly 50% of his catch-and-shoot threes) makes him a natural fit alongside Minnesota’s stars.
Defensively, Sexton brings a level of intensity that belies his size. At 6-foot-3, he’s not going to be locking down wings, but he’s a pest at the point of attack.
Opponents are shooting just 43.5% against him - an impressive mark that speaks to his motor and commitment on that end. He’s not called “Young Bull” for nothing.
For a Wolves team that thrives on defense and needs guards who can hold their own on that end, Sexton would be more than just a spark - he could be a game-changer.
Making the Money Work
Of course, any trade involving Sexton isn’t just about fit - it’s about feasibility. The Wolves are up against the first tax apron, which limits their flexibility. But there’s a path to making this work.
Combining the salaries of Mike Conley and Rob Dillingham gets Minnesota close to Sexton’s number. From there, they could use one of their trade exceptions to bridge the remaining gap. It’s not easy, but it’s doable - especially if the front office believes Sexton is the missing piece.
Now, there are a couple of wrinkles to consider. Conley is a respected veteran and a steadying presence in the locker room.
Moving him would be a significant shift, both on the court and off. And while Sexton’s value is high, it’s worth noting that he was traded this past offseason - along with a second-round pick - in a deal that brought back Jusuf Nurkic, a player many saw as a negative asset at the time.
That’s a sign that Sexton’s market might not be as steep as his production suggests.
Then there’s the contract situation. Sexton hits free agency this summer, so any team trading for him is doing so with the understanding that he could walk in a few months. That adds a layer of risk for Minnesota - but also a potential opportunity to buy low.
The Bottom Line
If the Timberwolves are going to make a meaningful move at the deadline, Sexton feels like the most logical target. He brings scoring, defense, energy, and positional versatility - all things Minnesota could use more of as they gear up for the postseason.
This isn’t about chasing stars. It’s about finding the right piece to complement the ones already in place. And in that sense, Collin Sexton might just be the perfect fit.