The Minnesota Timberwolves are one of the best stories in the NBA this season - a team that’s finally putting it all together behind a dominant defense, a maturing superstar in Anthony Edwards, and a roster that’s bought into its identity. But even with all that momentum, there’s one position that still feels unsettled: point guard.
Veteran Mike Conley has been a steadying presence, but at 36 years old, he’s not the long-term answer. And with Edwards blossoming into a franchise cornerstone, the Wolves know they need to find a backcourt partner who complements his game - not just now, but for the future.
Despite the uncertainty at the point, Minnesota has held strong. They’re top ten in both offensive and defensive efficiency, and their 27-18 record puts them just a half-game out of the fourth seed in the West. Yes, they’ve dropped four straight, but this is still a team very much in the mix - and with the trade deadline looming on February 5th, they’re actively exploring ways to reinforce the roster.
One name that’s come up consistently in trade conversations is Chicago’s Coby White. He’s having a breakout year, and his ability to space the floor, play on or off the ball, and push the pace makes him a logical fit next to Edwards. But there’s another name that’s generated buzz - a much bigger name - and it’s one the Timberwolves would be wise to steer clear of: Ja Morant.
On paper, Morant’s star power is undeniable. He’s an electric playmaker with highlight-reel explosiveness, and when he’s right, he can take over a game in ways few others can.
But this season hasn’t been kind to him. He’s posting the lowest scoring average since his second year in the league, and both his field-goal and three-point shooting are career lows.
That’s not just a cold streak - it’s a sign that his game might not be trending in the right direction.
More importantly, Morant’s skill set doesn’t mesh with what Minnesota needs. He thrives when he’s attacking downhill, creating chaos in the paint.
Edwards, meanwhile, needs room to operate - space to isolate, drive, and create. Pairing those two in the backcourt could create more problems than solutions, especially when you factor in Rudy Gobert’s limited range.
Having two non-shooters on the floor for long stretches - Morant and Gobert - could severely cramp the Wolves’ spacing, particularly in crunch time when every possession counts.
Then there’s the financial side of things. Morant is on a max contract, making nearly $40 million this season, with that number climbing to $42 million next year and $44 million the year after. To make the salaries work in a trade, Minnesota would likely have to part with two of Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, and Naz Reid - a steep price.
And that price just doesn’t make sense. Randle is playing the best basketball of his career.
DiVincenzo has been a seamless fit next to Edwards, giving the Wolves much-needed shooting and defensive versatility. And Reid?
He’s been the heartbeat of Minnesota’s bench unit for years - a glue guy who brings energy, toughness, and scoring punch every night.
So yes, the Timberwolves should be aggressive at the deadline. They’re in a window where a smart move could elevate them from “contender” to “favorite.” But chasing a big-name splash like Morant, with all the baggage - on-court fit, financial implications, and the assets it would take to get him - would be a misstep.
Instead, Minnesota would be better off targeting a more complementary piece like White or even someone like Tre Jones - a steady, low-cost facilitator who can keep the offense humming without disrupting the balance they’ve worked so hard to build.
The Wolves are close. They know it. And with the right move - not the biggest move - they could be dangerous come playoff time.