5 Players that Fit Minnesota Timberwolves Perfectly at NBA Trade Deadline

As the February 8th NBA trade deadline approaches, steam is picking up regarding who might be dealt and where the best chips will end up. We know the Minnesota Timberwolves are looking to buy, but it’s important to remember that their focus will be narrow.

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In reality, the Timberwolves’ roster doesn’t really have a weakness. But obviously, some areas are stronger than others. There are two bench roles, specifically, that president of basketball operations, Tim Connelly, will be looking to improve upon.

What are the Timberwolves looking for at the NBA trade deadline

The Wolves could use a proven 3-point sharpshooter that head coach Chris Finch can trust to hit nearly as many threes as he misses, over the next 41 games and deep into whatever playoff run this team ends up making. The other very specific player on Connelly’s trade deadline shopping list is a high-end backup point guard.

Mike Conley has been next level during the first half of the season. But the Timberwolves could use a high-end, trustworthy playmaker who can run the 2nd unit at a high level and spell Conley without causing Finchy a sideline heart attack.

5 Players the Minnesota Timberwolves should target

Who is buying and who is selling at the deadline is becoming more and more clear every day and there have been multiple players that the Timberwolves have been linked to in one way or another. Here are 5 trade deadline targets that Tim Connelly and the Minnesota Timberwolves have been mentioned next to in one way or another

Alex Caruso (PG) – Chicago Bulls

In the race for the postseason, any team would find value in having a player like Alex Caruso. He demonstrated his ability to play championship-winning playoff minutes with the Lakers during their 2019-20 playoff run and he’s the exact type of player the Wolves covet. He’s the #5 player available at the NBA trade deadline, according to The Athletic’s big board, which named the Timberwolves as a great landing spot.

The Timberwolves currently have the top defense in the league this season, and Caruso would make them even better on that side of the court. There’s a reason why the former Texas A&M Aggie has built a reputation as one of the premier defensive guards in the league.

pic.twitter.com/i2pmi9VkV2

— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) November 9, 2023

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On the offensive front, he shines as one of the most selfless and team-oriented players, showcasing the ability to make open shots with consistency. This would be a crucial move if the Wolves were to trade for him, and it would undoubtedly improve the best defense in the league.

Quentin Grimes (SG) – New York Knicks

There have been recent rumors about Grimes’ future in New York. He has developed well over his short career so far, and had a solid 2022-23 season, maintaining an average of 11.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game, with a shooting percentage of 47% from the field and an impressive 39 percent from beyond the arc.

Clutch 3 by Quentin Grimes to put the Knicks up by 4. pic.twitter.com/IWDXihNFRe

— hoops bot (@hoops_bot) January 12, 2023

Additionally, he willingly embraces challenging defensive assignments on the wing, displaying both physicality on the ball and adeptness in staying in front of opposing players. However, this season hasn’t gone as planned for Grimes, who has faced challenges with illness and a sprained left wrist, causing him to miss some games back in November.

Grimes remains incredibly valuable on defense but there are more and more questions being raised regarding his offensive skills, outside of knocking down 3-point shots. He’s also been falling out of favor a bit, in New York, after they traded for OG Anunoby a couple weeks ago.

The Wolves wouldn’t need Grimes to do anything other than hit 3’s. If he gains confidence and blossoms into more than that down the road, then even better. Either way, he makes a lot of sense as a target before the deadline. He too is named as a fit by The Athletic’s big board.

Bogdan Bogdanović (SG) – Atlanta Hawks

Bogdanović is having a solid season, and with the Hawks facing challenges, they seem eager to make changes. As of January 14, he holds averages of 17.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists for the entire season, but his performance has been particularly impressive since the middle of November. Bogdanović would play a huge role for the Timberwolves offense if they were to acquire him.

Bogdan Bogdanovic is leading the NBA in PPG off the bench at 17.2

1 of just 7 players to have made a 3 in every game they've played

he's shooting 37% from 3 on over 8 3PA

the MOST steals by a bench player this season (51), 10th overall

14th in total assists by a bench player… https://t.co/mgtH33wvH0 pic.twitter.com/lt8h3wZlkb

— #InSnyderWeTrust (@dlee4three) January 14, 2024

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Bogdanović has a drawback, he tends to get injured and hasn’t played over 63 games in a season since 2019. At 31, he’s in the first year of a four-year contract. This might worry the Timberwolves due to his injury history. The deal has three more years and $49.3 million left, but the last season is a team option.

Tyus Jones (PG) – Washington Wizards

The Apple Valley stud and former Timberwolf, Tyus Jones has been talked about a lot this season as he finally got a starting opportunity in Washington. Last week, we wrote about how the Timberwolves should go get Tyus Jones because he’s probably the best fit of any player on this list.

If the Wolves make only one move between now and February 8, they should bring Tyus Jones home. Jones has made significant strides in his shooting this season. Despite a sluggish start, he is currently experiencing the most extended hot streak of his career, hitting over 50 percent of his 3-pointers since mid-December.

If Tyus maintains this level of shooting proficiency, he could establish himself as a legitimate NBA starter and (bonus) give the Wolves and perfect option to succeed Mike Conley in a couple of years.

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Doug McDermott (SF) – San Antonio Spurs

Doug McDermott is another trade option that we’ve written about recently, after he was linked to the Wolves by ESPN, in a piece that called for Tim Connelly to trade Kyle Anderson for him. Adding McDermott would add another solid shooter to the offense. The Spurs who have barely won any games are looking to get of McDermott has his contract expires after this year.

These possibilities present realistic trade options for the Timberwolves. Despite the team’s current strong performance, there’s a debate about whether it’s worth risking team chemistry. On the flip side, bringing in one of these players could be the deciding factor between winning a championship or not. Who would you prefer the Timberwolves to trade for?