Story by
More MN Timberwolves Trade Chatter Surfaces as Deadline Nears
- Story by
- More MN Timberwolves Trade Chatter Surfaces as Deadline Nears
Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images
There are a couple of things we can be sure of with the 27-17 Minnesota Timberwolves , as we quickly come up on the February 5 NBA Trade Deadline. Despite what the All-Star ballot says , Anthony Edwards is playing the best basketball of his career, giving the 2025-26 Wolves potential to be great.
Yet, it needs more . Ant has become more comfortable with his exponential uptick in ball-handling duties, which has undoubtedly played a role in his increase in production.
Advertisement
What are the Minnesota Timberwolves going to do at the NBA Trade Deadline?
And because Edwards' increased responsibilities with the ball in his hands has allowed him to take that "next step" in his development, Minnesota's need for backcourt help hasn't felt quite as pressing, of late.
Related Headlines
Earlier this week, in fact, MN Timberwolves insider Jon Krawczynski wrote at The Athletic about how president of basketball operations, Tim Connelly, could shelf his mission to add a point guard at the deadline, in favor of more bench scoring, no matter if it came in the form of a guard or wing.
The point guard issue isn't perfect, but Edwards has shown a much-improved feel for the game with the ball in his hands, and DiVincenzo has proven to be a worthy wingman…Combine that synergy with the Timberwolves being right up against the second apron, and it makes trading for a high-priced starter like Ja Morant or LaMelo Ball extremely unlikely.
That makes a scoring guard/wing off the bench the team's biggest need. The inconsistency and ineffectiveness of the second-unit guards mean that the pressure is on Reid to carry the entire scoring load for the bench on most nights.
Another local reporter/insider, Darren Wolfson (KSTP) even suggested recently that the Wolves could wait until the trade deadline passes and the NBA buyout market to free up an old friend that makes a lot of sense, if he can be had for cheap that way.
Advertisement
But even if the Minnesota Timberwolves front office is open to adding non-ball-handling talent before the deadline, it doesn't sound like it's their preferred path over the next two weeks.
Report: Tim Connelly still on that point guard mission
According to the latest report Thursday from national NBA insider Brett Siegel (Clutch Points) the Minnesota Timberwolves are still heavily hunting the trade block for more point guard help. He even goes as far as to say that "everyone around the NBA knows" the Wolves are trying to add at that position.
Everyone around the NBA knows that the Minnesota Timberwolves want to add a point guard , and they are heavily expected to make a move for a guard before Feb. 5. Who that will be is dependent on the market, as Rob Dillingham and Mike Conley are their only real trade assets at this point.
Unfortunately, because the Minnesota Timberwolves are up against the second apron of the luxury tax, a threshold they cannot afford to cross for the second-straight season, they have to get creative.
Advertisement
On the table, as noted by and before Siegel, are their two 2024 first round draft picks, Terrence Shannon Jr (Illinois) and Rob Dillingham (Kentucky). Of course, what Tim Connelly and his crew can get in exchange for those underachieving youngsters remains to be seen.
It's become crystal clear, however, that unless a deal comes through and absolutely blows his PoHO socks off, Tim isn't interested in moving much of his roster assets, outside of Dillingham and Shannon Jr.
We know those limitations won't stop him from trying, though.
MN Timberwolves targeting multiple ball-handlers
And on his list of targets, according to Siegel , are some names that we have already seen attached to the Minnesota Timberwolves ( Coby White , Tre Jones ), along with a handful that we haven't seen as much of, until now.
Advertisement
Intriguing names too, like Ayo Dosunmu ( Bulls ), Malik Monk (Kings), Tyus Jones and Collin Sexton , though the last name would cost more than what the Timberwolves have shown willing to part ways with, to this point.
Coby White , Ayo Dosunmu, and Tre Jones from Chicago have all come up in connection to the Wolves recently, as has Kings guard Malik Monk. Tyus Jones and Collin Sexton are two other experienced guards league personnel have linked to Minnesota, although Charlotte has signaled that it would want value, either in the form of draft picks or a young prospect, for Sexton.
Ayo Dosunmu, 26, is arguably the best fit, and that's before you consider the fact that Collin Sexton could cost more. The former Illinois standout is the youngest of the new targets Siegel listed, and on paper (see table below), he might be the best.
Ayo Dosunmu makes most sense for Minnesota Timberwolves
Dosunmu is averaging almost 15 points per game while shooting nearly 50% from deep for his hometown Chicago Bulls. Not to mention, he's 6'5″ (6'10 wingspan) and plays unbelievable defense.
Been fun to see Ayo Dosunmu's developments over the last few seasons.
Qualities we saw be elite on the collegiate level, growing to impactful on the NBA level. pic.twitter.com/zkbsnMxSoq— Stephen PridGeon-Garner 🏁 (@StephenPG3) January 19, 2026
On the final year of a three-year deal he signed back in 2023, Dosunmu would be a bargain at his prorated $7.5 million this season. Given what we know about the MN Timberwolves' luxury tax constraints, Dosunmu's manageable salary is yet another reason why he's a great fit.
Advertisement
Related: FanDuel SN Struggling to Pay MN Timberwolves for TV Coverage
Of course, an Ayo deal might already be done, if the Bulls saw Dillingham and TJS as a sufficient return for the young guard. Thus, it's possible Connelly could have to up the ante, if he indeed believes the former Fighting Illini star can push his 2025-26 Minnesota Timberwolves rotation over the Western Conference Finals hump.
| Player(Age) |
Team |
2025-26 Salary |
MPG |
PPG |
RPG |
APG |
3PT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ayo Dosunmu(26) |
CHI |
$7.5M (Expiring) |
26.1 |
14.6 |
2.6 |
3.6 |
46.1% |
| Malik Monk(27) |
SAC |
$18.8M |
22.1 |
11.9 |
2.1 |
2.4 |
42.1% |
| Tyus Jones(29) |
ORL |
$7.0M (Expiring) |
16.1 |
2.4 |
1.1 |
2.4 |
28.3% |
| Collin Sexton(27) |
CHA |
$19.0M (Expiring) |
23.3 |
14.8 |
2.0 |
4.0 |
37.0% |
Basketball-Reference
Related Headlines
