The Minnesota Timberwolves are off to a strong start this season, sitting at 17-9 and looking every bit the part of a team with serious postseason ambitions. Head coach Chris Finch has this group locked in, and while the regular season has been promising, the real goal is clear: a deep playoff run, ideally ending with the franchise’s first-ever trip to the NBA Finals.
But even with the early success, there’s a noticeable gap in the roster-one that’s becoming harder to ignore. The Timberwolves are lacking a true playmaking point guard, the kind of floor general who can settle the offense when things get choppy and create shots for others when the game slows down.
Mike Conley has been a steady veteran presence, but at this stage in his career, he’s not the dynamic creator he once was. And Minnesota knows it.
That’s why the front office, led by president of basketball operations Tim Connelly, has been quietly working the phones. While most teams are still weeks away from making any definitive moves ahead of the trade deadline, the Wolves might not be content to wait that long. If the right opportunity presents itself, they could be ready to pounce.
Darius Garland Drawing Interest from Minnesota
One name that’s surfaced recently? Darius Garland.
While earlier reports linked the Timberwolves to Coby White, that buzz was quickly shut down. But Garland is a different story.
The Cavaliers guard, a two-time All-Star, is reportedly on the radar of several teams, including Minnesota, Orlando, and Washington-should Cleveland decide to entertain trade talks.
Garland’s fit in Minnesota makes a lot of sense on paper. He’s a crafty ball-handler, a sharp passer, and when healthy, a legitimate scoring threat. Pairing him with Anthony Edwards could give the Timberwolves a dynamic offensive backcourt, with Garland taking on the playmaking duties and Edwards continuing to thrive as the go-to scorer.
But there are a few wrinkles. Cleveland, after finishing 64-18 last season and looking like a rising force in the East, has stumbled out of the gate this year with a 15-12 record.
That’s not a disaster, but it’s certainly a step back. And Garland’s individual numbers reflect that dip.
He’s averaging just 15.5 points per game-his lowest since his rookie season-and shooting a career-low 36.2% from the field. That’s a steep drop from the 20.6 points per game he put up last year en route to his second All-Star nod.
Injuries have played a role too. Garland had offseason surgery to address a turf toe issue and has only suited up for 11 games so far. So while the talent is still there-his court vision and passing creativity remain among the best in the league-his stock isn’t quite as high as it was just a season ago.
A Calculated Gamble for a Team on the Rise
For Minnesota, that might actually be an opportunity. Garland’s trade value isn’t at its peak, and that could make him more attainable.
The Wolves are operating just under the second apron, which limits their flexibility under the current salary cap structure. But if there’s a move to be made that upgrades their lead guard position without blowing up the core, Garland could be the kind of swing worth taking.
The Timberwolves have built a strong foundation around Edwards, Rudy Gobert, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Jaden McDaniels. But the offense can still hit dry spells-especially in crunch time-when there’s no one to consistently organize the attack. Adding a playmaker like Garland could change that calculus, giving Minnesota the kind of offensive balance that’s often the difference in tight playoff games.
It’s still early, and there’s no guarantee Cleveland will move Garland. But Minnesota is clearly keeping its options open.
They’ve got the defense, they’ve got the star power, and they’ve got one of the best home-court advantages in the league. Now, it’s about finding that one missing piece to push them over the top.
And if Garland becomes available? Don’t be surprised if the Timberwolves are one of the first teams to make the call.