As the NBA trade deadline barrels toward us on February 5, the Minnesota Timberwolves find themselves in a fascinating spot. At 27-17, they’ve been one of the West’s most consistent teams, and a big reason for that is the evolution of Anthony Edwards.
The All-Star ballots might not fully capture it, but anyone watching the Wolves night in and night out knows: Edwards is playing the best basketball of his career. And with that leap, Minnesota has started to look like a team with real staying power.
But even with Ant’s ascent, the Timberwolves aren’t a finished product. That’s where the trade deadline comes in.
Edwards’ Growth Has Eased the Point Guard Pressure - For Now
One of the biggest shifts this season has been Edwards’ increased role as a ball-handler. He’s leaned into it, and it’s paying off.
His reads are sharper, his control of the offense more confident, and his ability to create for himself and others has added a new dimension to Minnesota’s attack. That growth has taken some of the urgency off the team’s need for a traditional point guard.
Still, that doesn’t mean the Wolves are standing pat.
According to multiple league insiders, including Brett Siegel, Minnesota remains active on the trade market - and point guard help is still very much on the radar. Despite Edwards’ progress, the front office, led by president of basketball operations Tim Connelly, is reportedly still exploring ways to bolster the backcourt. And around the league, it’s no secret: the Wolves are hunting for a guard.
Bench Scoring Is a Real Concern
While the starting five has largely held its own, the second unit has been inconsistent - especially in the backcourt. Right now, Naz Reid is doing the heavy lifting for the bench offense, and that’s a lot to ask on a nightly basis. Minnesota needs another scoring punch off the bench, ideally someone who can handle the ball and create offense without relying on the starters.
That’s led to some internal debate about where to focus their trade deadline energy. There’s been talk of shelving the point guard search in favor of adding a scoring wing or combo guard - someone who can bring life to the second unit, regardless of position.
But according to Siegel’s latest reporting, the point guard search hasn’t been abandoned. In fact, it might be ramping up.
Navigating the Second Apron
Here’s where things get tricky: the Timberwolves are bumping up against the second apron of the luxury tax. That’s a hard cap line with serious roster-building implications. Minnesota can’t just swing for the fences without considering the financial consequences, especially since crossing that threshold for a second straight season would severely limit their flexibility going forward.
That means any deal has to be both financially feasible and talent-efficient. And right now, the Wolves’ most realistic trade assets are rookies Rob Dillingham and Terrence Shannon Jr., their two first-round picks from the 2024 draft. Both have shown flashes, but they haven’t made a major impact yet - which makes gauging their trade value a bit of a guessing game.
Unless a team is truly high on one of those young players, or Connelly gets blown away by a deal, it’s unlikely he parts with core rotation pieces.
Who’s on the Radar?
So who’s actually in play? According to Siegel, Minnesota has a list of targets, and it includes some familiar names - and a few new ones.
- Coby White (Bulls)
- Tre Jones (Spurs)
- Ayo Dosunmu (Bulls)
- Malik Monk (Kings)
- Tyus Jones (Wizards)
- Collin Sexton (Jazz)
Some of these names - like Coby White and Tre Jones - have been linked to Minnesota before. Others, like Dosunmu and Monk, are newer to the rumor mill but make a lot of sense.
Tyus Jones, a Minnesota native and former Wolf, would be a popular reunion. Collin Sexton, meanwhile, is a high-octane scorer, but his price tag might be too steep for what Minnesota’s willing to offer.
Why Ayo Dosunmu Might Be the Best Fit
Of all the names floating around, Ayo Dosunmu might check the most boxes for Minnesota.
The 26-year-old guard is having a breakout season in Chicago, averaging nearly 15 points per game while shooting close to 50% from three. He brings size (6'5" with a 6'10" wingspan), defensive versatility, and a calm presence with the ball in his hands. He’s also on the final year of a team-friendly contract, making a prorated $7.5 million - a manageable number even for a team flirting with the second apron.
Dosunmu doesn’t need the ball to be effective, but he can create when asked. He defends at a high level, plays within the flow of the offense, and has the kind of two-way skill set that would mesh well with Minnesota’s current core.
The question is whether the Bulls are interested in what Minnesota can offer. If Dillingham and Shannon Jr. aren’t enough to move the needle for Chicago, Connelly may have to sweeten the pot - and that’s where things get complicated.
What’s Next?
With less than two weeks to go until the deadline, the Timberwolves are clearly exploring multiple paths. Whether it’s a point guard who can ease the load on Edwards, or a scoring wing who can juice the second unit, Minnesota is in the market. But between the financial constraints and limited trade assets, they’ll need to thread the needle.
A move isn’t guaranteed. But if the right deal surfaces - one that upgrades the rotation without mortgaging the future - don’t be surprised if Connelly pounces.
Because with Edwards playing the way he is, and the Wolves sitting firmly in the playoff picture, this team has a real shot to make noise. And a smart addition at the deadline could be the difference between a solid season and a deep postseason run.