The Minnesota Timberwolves, led by Anthony Edwards, seem poised to emerge as one of the best teams in the Western Conference, rivaling the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Minnesota Timberwolves have lost in the Western Conference Finals in each of the last two seasons. Two truths are apparent: Anthony Edwards is one of the best players in the NBA, but Minnesota needs to add a star next to him to compete in the West.
The Wolves, it seems, are one of the frontrunners in the Kevin Durant sweepstakes, although if they trade for KD, they will quickly find themselves back in the exact same spot, with limited assets.Â
Durant has, at most, three solid seasons left, and the Wolves will have to send plenty of future assets to the Phoenix Suns for the aging star. If Minnesota insists on adding an All-Star, landing someone with a similar timeline to Edwards should be the priority.
Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty ImagesMemphis Grizzlies emerge as sellers
After trading Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic, the Memphis Grizzlies seem to be waving the white flag on their core. Unless Jaren Jackson Jr., Ja Morant, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope overperform, it stands to reason that Memphis is only getting started.
While Mike Conley has largely been solid during his time with the Timberwolves, his timeline doesn’t match up with Edwards’, and his production took a clear dip last season.
The Wolves need to pair Edwards with a more traditional point guard, and adding Morant next to him would easily give Minnesota the most exciting backcourt in the league.
Morant is not an elite shooting threat, although Edwards broke out, shooting 39.5% from deep last season. Starting Morant, Edwards, Donte DiVincenzo, Jaden McDaniels, and Rudy Gobert would give Minnesota enough defense and spacing to compete in the West.
Re-signing free agents like Nickiel Alexander-Walker or Naz Reid to round out the bench unit would only add to their title hopes.
Photo by Justin Ford/Getty ImagesMock trade pairs Morant with Edwards
While the Grizzlies got four picks for Bane, that was clearly an overpay, and they won’t expect an identical return for Morant.
That bodes well, since the Timberwolves don’t have the draft capital to make that sort of offer. On top of that, Morant’s frequent injuries and suspensions haven’t exactly helped his trade value.Â
Full Mock Trade Details:
Timberwolves receive: Ja MorantGrizzlies receive: Julius Randle, Mike Conley, Rob Dillingham, picks no. 17 and 31, 2028 pick swap
It’s very likely that the 2028 pick swap doesn’t convey, but this is still a solid return for Memphis. Randle’s expiring contract, provided that he opts in, will give Memphis some flexibility when he hits free agency, or they can flip him to a contender.
With Dillingham, they get a young point guard to pair with rookies Jaylen Wells and Zach Edey, as well as a second first-round pick.
Finally, they land Conley, the last Grit and Grind player still in the league. He spent 12 seasons with the Grizzlies and is one of the best mentors in the league, giving the young team some direction.
The Wolves, meanwhile, are ready to hit the ground running with two All-Star guards and one of the best defenders in league history, with plenty of shooting still on the roster around them.