The Minnesota Timberwolves are sitting at a crossroads. After back-to-back trips to the Western Conference Finals, they’ve proven they belong in the contender conversation-but “belonging” and “breaking through” are two very different things. And right now, the Wolves are looking more like a team stuck in neutral than one ready to take that final step toward the NBA Finals.
At 27-18 and seventh in the West, Minnesota’s record isn’t disastrous by any means. But considering the expectations and the talent on the roster, it feels like a step back.
This team was built around the electric scoring of Anthony Edwards and the elite rim protection of Rudy Gobert. That one-two punch gives Minnesota a high ceiling, but the supporting cast hasn’t consistently filled the gaps on both ends of the floor.
The trade deadline is looming, and if the Timberwolves want to make real noise in the postseason, now’s the time to act. Standing pat while other contenders retool could mean another year of “what ifs.” One bold move could be the spark this team needs-and there’s a potential deal out there that might just do the trick.
The Trade Proposal:
Minnesota sends Julius Randle and Mike Conley Jr. to the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for Trey Murphy III, Herb Jones, and Saddiq Bey.
Let’s break this down.
Why This Makes Sense for the Timberwolves
First, parting ways with Randle and Conley isn’t easy. They’ve both been instrumental in Minnesota’s rise.
Randle is a proven scorer and physical presence in the frontcourt. Conley is the veteran floor general who’s brought stability and leadership.
But in the NBA, growth often requires sacrifice-and the Wolves need to think long-term.
Randle, 31, is still productive, but his high-usage style can sometimes bog down Minnesota’s offensive flow. He’s also locked into a hefty contract, which limits roster flexibility.
Conley, now 38, has been a steadying force, but his minutes are only going to decline. Letting him go opens the door for young guards like Rob Dillingham, Bones Hyland, and Jaylen Clark to step into bigger roles.
In return, Minnesota gets three versatile, two-way wings who fit perfectly with Edwards’ timeline. Trey Murphy III (25), Saddiq Bey (26), and Herb Jones (27) bring youth, athleticism, and defensive intensity-exactly what the Wolves need to keep up with the faster, more dynamic teams in the West.
A New Identity: Defense First, Still Dangerous on Offense
Chris Finch has always emphasized defensive toughness, and this trio fits that mold to a tee.
Murphy is a long, agile wing who can defend multiple positions and knock down shots from deep. He’s hitting nearly 39% from three this season and doesn’t need the ball in his hands to be effective-an ideal complement to Edwards, who thrives with space to operate.
Bey adds size and scoring punch, averaging over 15 points per game. And Jones?
He’s the defensive ace. Even while battling a shoulder injury, he’s still respected as one of the league’s premier stoppers.
He earned All-Defensive First Team honors in 2024 for a reason.
Slide those three into a rotation with Edwards, Gobert, and Jaden McDaniels, and you’ve got a lineup that can switch everything, contest every shot, and still put up points. That’s a playoff-ready group with the kind of defensive versatility that wins in May and June.
Reinventing the Bench
One of Minnesota’s biggest weaknesses this season has been bench scoring. Outside of Naz Reid, the second unit has struggled to generate consistent offense.
That’s where Jones and Bey can make a real impact. Jones has quietly averaged double-digit scoring over his career, and Bey, who once dropped 51 in a game, has shown he can heat up in a hurry.
Adding those two gives Finch more options and more firepower off the bench-something the Wolves have sorely lacked.
The Bigger Picture
This isn’t just about a midseason shakeup. It’s about building a roster that can contend now and grow with Edwards as he enters his prime.
Murphy, Jones, and Bey are all on the same developmental arc as Edwards, who’s just 24. That’s a foundation you can build around for years.
Yes, it’s tough to say goodbye to Conley and Randle. But if the goal is a championship-and make no mistake, that’s the goal-then tough decisions have to be made. This trade gives Minnesota a better shot at matching up with the elite wings and high-octane offenses they’ll face in the playoffs, while also positioning them for sustained success.
If the Timberwolves want to stop knocking on the door and start kicking it down, they should be on the phone with New Orleans right now.