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NBA rumors: Timberwolves linked to Jaylen Brown trade pursuit before LaMelo Ball blockbuster
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- NBA rumors: Timberwolves linked to Jaylen Brown trade pursuit before LaMelo Ball blockbuster
NBA rumors: Timberwolves linked to Jaylen Brown trade pursuit before LaMelo Ball blockbuster appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
The Minnesota Timberwolves reportedly pursued multiple All-Star caliber players before completing Thursday's blockbuster trade for LaMelo Ball , including Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown .
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According to The Athletic's Jon Krawczynski and Sam Amick, Minnesota president of basketball operations Tim Connelly spent the offseason exploring several high-profile trade possibilities as the franchise searched for another impact player to complement Anthony Edwards .
The reporters wrote earlier Thursday before the Ball trade became official:
"Whether it is Ball, Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown , Dallas Mavericks point guard Kyrie Irving or other high-profile names, Connelly is constantly exploring ways to upgrade Edwards' supporting cast."
Hours later, the Timberwolves finalized a deal with the Charlotte Hornets , acquiring Ball and Josh Green in exchange for Naz Reid , an unprotected 2033 first-round pick, three first-round pick swaps and three second-round selections.
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After the trade, Krawczynski revealed that Brown had also been a legitimate target during Minnesota's search for another star.
"The Wolves did have discussions with the Celtics on Jaylen Brown as well, sources told The Athletic. But they saw LaMelo Ball as fitting more of what they needed, for likely less compensation going out."
Timberwolves explored Jaylen Brown trade before landing LaMelo Ball
© Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images
Yahoo Sports NBA insider Kevin O'Connor reported a similar sequence of events, adding further support to the notion that Minnesota weighed multiple blockbuster scenarios before settling on Ball.
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"Sources: The Timberwolves explored Jaylen Brown trades with Boston before the LaMelo Ball deal was completed with Charlotte. LaMelo was the preferred target though."
The reports suggest Minnesota viewed Ball as the better fit for its roster construction despite Brown's credentials as a four-time All-Star and NBA champion. Ball's playmaking ability addresses one of the Timberwolves' biggest needs, giving Edwards another primary ball-handler capable of creating offense for himself and teammates.
The willingness to engage Boston on Brown also highlights Minnesota's aggressive approach to roster building. Rather than limiting discussions to one target, the front office explored several of the league's biggest names before identifying Ball as its preferred acquisition.
For Boston, the discussions ultimately did not result in a deal, allowing the Celtics to retain Brown while Minnesota shifted its focus to Charlotte. The outcome leaves the Timberwolves with a new backcourt centerpiece alongside Edwards while ending weeks of speculation surrounding the organization's pursuit of another star.
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