The Minnesota Timberwolves are off to a strong start in the 2025-26 NBA campaign, sitting at 27-14 as they gear up for a Friday night showdown against the Houston Rockets. Led by the explosive play of Anthony Edwards, who continues to perform at an All-NBA level, Minnesota has found a rhythm that’s keeping them firmly in the Western Conference mix. And with Julius Randle settling in and delivering quality minutes at the four, the Wolves are building a foundation that looks both potent and playoff-ready.
But even with that success, there’s a sense that this team is still one piece away from truly pushing the top tier in the West. That’s where Malik Monk’s name starts to surface.
Around the league, scouts are reportedly eyeing Minnesota as a potential landing spot for Monk - a high-octane scorer who could thrive in a system built around Edwards and Randle. Monk’s fit in Minnesota makes a lot of sense on paper.
He’s the kind of player who doesn’t need a ton of touches to make an impact, and when he gets hot, he can swing games with his shot-making alone. That’s the kind of firepower Minnesota’s second unit has been lacking, especially when Edwards hits the bench.
A potential trade package floated includes veteran point guard Mike Conley, young guard Rob Dillingham, and a second-round pick heading to Sacramento in exchange for Monk. It’s a deal that reflects where both teams are at right now.
Monk, despite showing flashes - including a recent scoring outburst against the Lakers - has struggled to find consistent footing with the Kings this season. Meanwhile, Dillingham, once seen as a sparkplug scorer off the bench, hasn’t quite hit his stride in Minnesota. The Wolves were hoping for a dynamic sixth man when they drafted him two years ago, but the production hasn’t matched the potential just yet.
Swapping Dillingham for Monk would be a clear signal from Minnesota that they’re looking to win now. Monk brings a proven scoring punch, especially in second-unit sets. He won’t solve every issue - the Wolves still have to contend with juggernauts like the Oklahoma City Thunder - but he would give them a more reliable perimeter option when Edwards is resting and add a dangerous new wrinkle to their offensive attack.
All eyes now turn to Friday night, when the Timberwolves take on the Rockets in Houston. Tip-off is set for 9:30 p.m. ET, and with trade chatter heating up, it’s worth watching how Minnesota’s rotation shapes up - and whether any moves are on the horizon to bolster a team that’s already making noise out West.