The Minnesota Timberwolves are officially on the clock.
With the trade deadline fast approaching on February 5, the Wolves are actively working the phones in search of backcourt help - and that’s no secret around the league. Multiple sources have confirmed what’s become common knowledge in NBA circles: Minnesota wants a point guard, and they’re expected to make a move to get one.
The Wolves’ current trade assets are limited, with rookie Rob Dillingham and veteran Mike Conley standing out as the only real chips in play. That doesn’t necessarily mean either is on the move - Conley’s leadership and steady hand are central to Minnesota’s current structure - but it does underscore how tight the margins are for a team trying to make a meaningful addition without disrupting its core.
Several names have surfaced in connection with Minnesota’s search. Guards like Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu, and Tre Jones have all been floated as potential fits.
Malik Monk’s name has also come up, and he’d bring a scoring punch off the bench that could help stabilize Minnesota’s second unit. Tyus Jones and Collin Sexton are two more guards linked to the Wolves, though acquiring Sexton could come at a price.
Charlotte reportedly wants either draft capital or a young prospect in any deal involving the Utah guard.
The urgency in Minnesota stems from more than just roster construction - it’s about timing. The Wolves have hit a rough patch, dropping three straight games and slipping to 27-17, seventh in the Western Conference.
That’s not panic territory, but it’s enough to raise eyebrows in a crowded West where every win matters. With a three-game homestand kicking off against the Chicago Bulls, there’s an opportunity to right the ship - but also a clear sense that reinforcements could be necessary for the long haul.
Meanwhile, over in Orlando, the Magic are weighing their own options - and they’re open for business.
The Magic, currently 23-19 and sitting seventh in the Eastern Conference, are trying to thread the needle between staying competitive now and keeping their long-term financial flexibility intact. That’s led to some intriguing possibilities ahead of the deadline. According to league chatter, Orlando is willing to move rotation players like Tyus Jones, Goga Bitadze, and Jonathan Isaac if the right deal comes along.
Bitadze, in particular, is drawing interest. The 24-year-old center has shown flashes of rim protection and rebounding that could appeal to playoff-bound teams looking for frontcourt depth. A deal involving Bitadze could net Orlando multiple second-round picks and clear salary space for the 2026-27 season.
There’s also a financial angle in play. Orlando is reportedly open to taking back less salary in a trade to dip under the luxury tax line, which would give them more breathing room heading into a pivotal offseason.
That said, the Magic aren’t expected to chase long-term contracts at the deadline. Their focus remains on short-term upgrades and asset collection, with an eye toward maintaining flexibility as their young core continues to develop.
Orlando just returned stateside after a European swing that saw them split a pair of games against Memphis - a win in Berlin followed by a loss in London. They’ll host the Charlotte Hornets next, looking to build momentum in a tightly packed East.
While there’s no indication that Minnesota and Orlando are deep in talks with each other, there’s a natural alignment here. One team needs guard help.
The other has guards available and is open to reshaping its rotation. As the deadline nears, don’t be surprised if these two clubs - or others in similar positions - find common ground on a deal that helps both sides chase their postseason goals without mortgaging the future.
Stay tuned. The trade market is heating up, and both the Wolves and Magic are squarely in the mix.