The Minnesota Timberwolves are rolling-and they’re doing it with authority. Winners of six of their last seven and riding a two-game win streak, the Wolves are headed into Friday night’s matchup against the Houston Rockets with some serious momentum. And if their last outing was any indication, they’re not just winning-they’re dominating.
Without Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert, Minnesota walked into Milwaukee and dismantled the Bucks, 139-106. That’s not a typo.
No Ant, no Rudy, and still a 33-point blowout over a team led by Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Wolves’ length and defensive pressure completely disrupted Milwaukee’s rhythm, turning Giannis into a one-man band with nowhere to go.
He finished with 25 points, but only eight rebounds, seven turnovers, and a -11 in the box score. It was a statement win-and a loud one.
The Wolves Are Legit, But the Roster Still Has Gaps
Since November 29, Minnesota has gone 17-6, outscoring opponents by 153 points and posting a 119.7 offensive rating. That’s elite-level production.
The offense is humming, the chemistry is real, and the wins are stacking up. But if this team wants to make a serious push deep into the postseason-beyond the Western Conference Finals-they’re going to need reinforcements.
Specifically, they need help in the backcourt.
President of basketball operations Tim Connelly has been one of the more active executives ahead of the trade deadline, reportedly exploring just about every available ball-handler on the market. That includes multiple Chicago Bulls guards, among others.
But the market hasn’t quite broken in Minnesota’s favor yet. According to recent reports, Connelly isn’t looking to move any core rotation pieces.
Instead, the Wolves are shopping their 2024 first-rounders-Rob Dillingham and Terrence Shannon Jr.-in hopes of finding a deal that upgrades the roster without sacrificing the present or future.
That’s a tough needle to thread, especially when you’re up against luxury tax constraints and limited future draft capital. If teams aren’t biting on Dillingham or Shannon, the Wolves may need to pivot-and fast.
Enter: Kyle Anderson?
If a trade doesn’t materialize, Minnesota appears ready to shift its focus to the buyout market. And there’s one name already drawing serious attention: Kyle Anderson.
Yes, that Kyle Anderson-the do-it-all forward who spent two seasons in Minnesota and quickly became a fan favorite for his versatility, leadership, and basketball IQ. Anderson, now with the Utah Jazz, has played sparingly this season, appearing in just 13 games.
Some of that’s due to lingering injuries, some of it’s just a numbers game in Utah’s rotation. But when he has played, he’s shown he can still impact the game-averaging 7.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in limited minutes.
Anderson was traded to the Jazz from Miami at last year’s deadline, but his fit in Utah has been questionable at best. According to multiple reports, a buyout is likely, and Minnesota is keeping a close eye on the situation. If Anderson hits the open market, don’t be surprised if the Wolves are first in line.
Why Kyle Anderson Makes Sense
Anderson isn’t going to fix Minnesota’s backcourt issues single-handedly, but he brings a unique skill set that could help patch several holes at once. Though listed as a forward, Anderson has the rare ability to initiate offense like a point guard.
He sees the floor well, makes high-IQ reads, and can run half-court sets with composure and poise. That’s especially valuable on a team that sometimes struggles with consistent ball-handling and decision-making outside of Edwards.
Defensively, Anderson adds length, experience, and versatility-three things any playoff contender can always use more of. He can guard multiple positions, help organize the defense, and bring a calming presence to a team that’s still relatively young in key spots.
Sure, his jumper is limited-he’s not going to stretch the floor much beyond 15 feet-but when you’re shopping in the buyout aisle, you’re not looking for perfect. You’re looking for fit. And Kyle Anderson fits.
A Smart, Savvy Move If It Happens
If Minnesota can’t swing a trade for a dynamic guard, Anderson would be one of the best fallback options on the market. He knows the system, he knows the personnel, and he’s already proven he can contribute to winning basketball in Minnesota.
The Wolves are in the thick of the Western Conference race, and with the right additions, they have a real shot to make noise this postseason. Whether that comes via trade or buyout, the front office is clearly working to keep this train moving forward.
And if Kyle Anderson ends up back in a Wolves jersey? That might just be the kind of under-the-radar move that makes a big difference come spring.