Timberwolves Planning More Moves Post Trade Deadline via NBA Buyout Market

The Minnesota Timberwolves made the one move we all knew needed to and probably would happen, prior to the NBA trade deadline, which hits today at 2 p.m. CST. President of basketball operations Tim Connelly got his guy, Monte Morris, from the Detroit Pistons.

Related: Can Monte Morris Cure Minnesota Timberwolves’ Playmaking, Maturity Problems?

In doing so, he also managed to send out the Wolves’ most obvious trade assets, Shake Milton and Troy Brown Jr (along with their 2030 2nd round pick). But now, the obvious question remains… what’s next? Is Connelly done wheeling and dealing or does he have more mid-season tricks up his sleeve.

There have been a few reports that have floated out liking the Timberwolves to specific bought out players, since the trade deadline passed Thursday afternoon.

Minnesota Timberwolves planning more move on buyout market?

The Wolves have two open spots on their 15-man active roster and $1.6 million left under the luxury tax threshold, following Wednesday’s trade. They’ve been carrying one open lost for awhile, but they’re expected to fill both soon.

“…this trade does not mean the Wolves are done dealing. They could look to add another player via trade or keep their powder dry for the buyout market that will open later this month. The Wolves still have a portion of their midlevel exception to sprinkle on top of the veteran’s minimum salary to entice any veteran shooter who has his contract bought out.”

Jon Krawczynski – The Athletic

Converting Luke Garza’s contract from a 2-way deal, into a full NBA contract, makes sense for one of the two open slots. Another option would be elevating Lance Stephenson, who’s been ripping up the G-League for weeks with the Iowa Wolves.

Related: Time for Timberwolves to Grow Up; Stop Crying About Refs

Buyout market candidates

Much more likely, though, is Tim Connelly & Co make another external addition to the roster, via the post-trade deadline buyout market. Some of the names that they have been linked to include Spencer Dinwiddie (who is reportedly on his way to Dallas), Evan Fournier, Marcus Morris, Furkan Korkmaz, and Joe Harris. Other names that they’ve been mentioned with recently who could be available include Kyle Lowry and Seth Curry,