It’s possible the Timberwolves won’t make a trade by next Wednesday’s deadline.
Probable, even.
The Wolves are without many desirable trade assets, have a fairly set-in-stone rotation and are mostly succeeding with that rotation in place. Their most tradeable pieces, in theory, are either on undesirable deals or have worked out niches with the team that would be tough to replace in the short term.
A trade probably won’t happen. But that’s not fun to talk about it.
With the deadline looming, rumors across the league have started to surface. To this point, the Timberwolves haven’t been strongly linked to any teams or players.
In the meantime, why not make some scenarios up to pass the time?
Note: Please don’t take this too seriously.
1. Utah Jazz Receive: Shabazz Muhammad, OKC 1st Rounder; Timberwolves Receive: Rodney Hood
Why it would help: The Timberwolves are in need of some wing depth off the bench, and getting a guy with the 3-point chops of Hood could be major.
His minutes have gone down with the emergence of Donovan Mitchell, and with considering the Jazz’s losing record, grabbing a first rounder for an expiring contract could be a good move.
Why it won’t happen: Even in his bench role, Hood is still a valuable piece for the Jazz, and still gets 28 minutes per game off the bench. It would be tough to find those types of minutes in Minnesota with Jimmy Butler and Andrew Wiggins in the lineup.
In addition, Tom Thibodeau probably wouldn’t want to part with a first rounder for a guy on the last year of his contract.
2. Memphis Grizzlies Receive: Cole Aldrich, Shabazz Muhammad, OKC 1st Rounder; Timberwolves Receive: Brandan Wright, Tyreke Evans
Why it would help: The Wolves would clear a year’s worth of salaries off their books and give the team a bit more immediate flexibility. Evans is the best player in this trade by a good deal, and would add another ball handler in with the second unit. His improved 3-point shooting and Wright’s still-useful body off the bench is an added bonus.
With the injury to Mike Conley, and their current record at 18-33, it’s time for a rebuild and to stock up on draft picks. Cole Aldrich only has about $2 million guaranteed in 2018, and Muhammad’s salary isn’t a big cap hit. The draft pick might be worth it.
Why it won’t happen: Three ball handlers off the bench – Evans, Tyus Jones and Jamal Crawford in this scenario – could make for a crowded backcourt. Evans’ improved shooting would be a big plus, but the fit is far from perfect.
In addition, Evans’ services are reportedly of interest to several teams around the league. When bidding wars happen, an overpay generally happens somewhere.
And, again, is a first rounder worth it for a guy on the last year of his contract?
3. Utah Jazz Receive: Cole Aldrich, Shabazz Muhammad; Timberwolves Receive: Joe Johnson
Why it would help: Johnson is reportedly looking to get out of Utah to play for a playoff team. The Wolves could give him that opportunity. The Jazz essentially get to break free of most of Johnson’s salary, and he gets to play for a playoff team.
Why it won’t happen: It might not be cheap enough for the Jazz to find the deal worth it. In addition, Johnson is having his worst year statistically in a long time. It might not be worth it for Thibodeau, either.
4. Los Angeles Clippers Receive: Cole Aldrich, OKC 1st Rounder; Timberwolves Receive: Lou Williams
Why it would help: This one is obvious. Williams is an All-Star-caliber player who would provide major scoring help off the bench. He’s having a career year, is shooting efficiently, and might be what the Wolves need for their depth.
The Clippers are reportedly looking for a ‘good’ first rounder to make this deal happen. The Thunder’s first rounder won’t be a great pick, but it’s possible – maybe even probable – that no cellar-dwelling team will want to part with a first for a guy that would likely walk in the summer. That might leave the Wolves.
Why it won’t happen: Williams is having a career year. He very nearly made the All-Star team as a guy who mostly came off the bench for a fringe Western Conference playoff team. Odds are good someone will cough up a better offer than what the Wolves have available for him.
In addition, the idea of Williams and Crawford sharing a backcourt is…interesting.
5. Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: Jeff Teague, Gorgui Dieng, The Moon considerations; Timberwolves Receive: LeBron James
Why it would help: LeBron James is really, really good. He’s one of the few players in the league good enough to fit with whatever roster combination is already there. But next to Towns and Butler, things could get really interesting really quickly.
Why it won’t happen: I’m not sure how the Timberwolves would acquire the rights to offer Dan Gilbert the moon. The inability to offer that would probably be a deal-breaker for the Cavs.
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