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.
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 haven’t been any official reports floated out, since the deal for Morris was made Wednesday afternoon, but insider speculation and context clues tell us the Timberwolves likely have more moves planned.
Minnesota Timberwolves planning more moves?
First, the Wolves have two open spots on their 15-man active roster and $1.6 million left under the luxury tax threshold, following yesterday’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.
Buyout market more likely than another trade deadline deal
Much more likely, though, is Tim Connelly & Co make another external addition to the roster. It’s possible that addition comes via trade. Betting money would go heavier on Tim’s next maneuver coming via the post-trade deadline buyout market.
Some of the names they’ve been linked to over the past couple of weeks remain available, but names are moving around fast, with just hours remaining until the NBA trade deadline. Players who remain on the market and have been linked to the Timberwolves include Kyle Lowry and Doug McDermott, who would both be buyout candidates.
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