The Minnesota Timberwolves, led by Anthony Edwards, are poised to appear as one of the best teams at the Western Conference, comparable to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Minnesota Timberwolves have lost in the Western Conference Finals in each of the last two seasons. Two truths are clear. Anthony Edwards is one of the best players in the NBA, but Minnesota will need to add a star next to him to compete in the West.
The wolves appear to be one of the forefronts of Kevin Durant’s sweepstakes, but when they trade with KD they will soon be returning to the exact same location where their assets are limited.
Durant has at most three solid seasons, and wolves must send many future assets to the Phoenix Sands for the aging star. If Minnesota insists on adding an All-Star, landing someone with a similar timeline in Edwards should be a priority.
After trading Desmond Bain for the Orlando Magic, the Memphis Grizzlies appear to be waving a white flag in their centre. With the exception of the excessive performance of Jaren Jackson Jr., Ja Morant, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Memphis can only be on the way.
Mike Conley was pretty much solid with the Timberwolves, but his timeline doesn’t match Edwards.
The wolves need to pair Edwards with a more traditional point guard, and adding Morant next to him, Minnesota easily gives the league’s most exciting backcourt.
Morant is not an elite shooting threat, but Edwards left and shot 39.5% from deep last season. The beginnings of Morant, Edwards, Donte Divincenzo, Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert will give them enough defense and spacing to compete in the West.
Re-signing free agents like Nikkiel Alexander Walker and Naz Reed to close out the bench unit will just add to your title wish.
The Grizzlies got four picks for Bain, but it was clearly an overpayment and they don’t expect the same return for Morant.
That often portends because the Timberwolves do not have draft capital to make such an offer. In addition to that, Morant’s frequent injuries and suspensions never exactly helped his trade value.
Complete mock trade details:
- Timberwolves Reace: Ja Morant
- Grizzlies Receive: Julius Randle, Mike Conley, Rob Dillingham, Pick no. 17 and 31, 2028 Pix Swap
It’s very likely that the 2028 pix swap won’t convey, but this is still a solid return for Memphis. If he’s opted in, Randle’s expired contract could give Memphis some flexibility when he hits free agency or flip him over to a candidate.
Along with Dillingham, they got a young point guard and were paired with rookies Jalen Wells and Zach Adey, making their second first round pick.
Finally, they land Conley, still the last grit and grinder in the league. He spent 12 seasons with the Grizzlies, and is one of the best mentors in the league, giving his younger team some direction.
Meanwhile, the Wolf is ready to run and hit the ground with two All-Star Guards and one of the league’s greatest defenders, with plenty of shooting still on the surrounding roster.