10 Realistic Trade Targets For the Timberwolves

Chris Finch, sitting slouched over and leaning on his crossed arms, was short with the media after the Minnesota Timberwolves’ 110-105 loss Thursday night at home to the Chicago Bulls. It was Minnesota’s fourth-straight loss. Finch was not just frustrated because his team lost, but also because of how they lost.

Video courtesy of the Minnesota Timberwolves / YouTube

Chicago outscored the Wolves 15-5 in clutch-time, where Minnesota allowed a six-point lead evaporate because they had more turnovers (3) than made shots (2 of 7). Anthony Edwards had an off night, shooting 9 of 25 from the floor and 1 of 8 from three. Edwards has been lethal in the clutch all season, but he shot 1 of 6.

It was a game where the Wolves desperately needed more from their supporting cast. Naz Reid scored 20 points on 8 of 12 shooting off the bench. But aside from him, Minnesota’s bench scored a combined 8 points on 3 of 15 shooting.

“We are in desperate need for a shot in the arm from [the bench],” Finch said. “And I thought the bench had great looks tonight, too.”

The lack of bench production — and how it limits the Wolves — has grown increasingly difficult to ignore as the February 8 trade deadline inches closer. They rank 22nd in bench points per game with 32.5. Naz Reid is averaging 14.3 of those points. During the Timberwolves’ 111-85 home loss to the Golden State Warriors, Minnesota’s bench scored only 7 points before garbage time. Reid shot 0 of 4 in 25 minutes.

On the other hand, Finch’s preferred starting five (Donte DiVincenzo, Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, Julius Randle, and Rudy Gobert) has been a consistently productive 5-man lineup, averaging a +7.3 net rating in an NBA-leading 450 minutes together.

Therefore, as the Wolves sit $3.6 million under the second apron and with limited assets to sell at the deadline, it is likely that any trade they make will be to acquire some bench reinforcement. Below, I’ve compiled ten trade targets for the Wolves separated by position.

Guards

The Wolves have the second-worst turnover percentage (16.9%) in the clutch this season because they lack stability down the stretch. Mike Conley has been a non-scoring factor, and Bones Hyland has been inconsistent. Minnesota’s need for another ball handler that can score and handle late-game pressure is evident.

Ayo Dosunmu (Bulls)

Chicago is logjammed with winning backup guards and currently owns a 23-22 record. The Bulls are headed for another appearance in the Play-In Tournament, so they could sell off some of their point guard depth at the deadline.

Dosunmu, the 6’4” guard and Chicago native, is having a career year with the Bulls.

In his fifth season, Dosunmu, 26, is averaging 14.3 points, 3.5 assists, and 2.7 rebounds on 51% from the floor and 45.7% from deep in 26 minutes over 39 games. He’s comfortable with the ball in his hands, but also thrives as an off-ball shooter, which is important in an ecosystem centered around Edwards and Randle. 147 of Dosunmu’s 164 total 3-point attempts this season have been catch-and-shoots, which he is shooting 42.9% on. Dosunmu also sees the floor well and is a scrappy on-ball defender.

The question of whether the Wolves will trade for him comes down to whether the Bulls view Dosunmu as a key part of their future and if they will pay him after this season. Ayo is making $7.5 million this season, which is an easily movable contract. Rob Dillingham and Leonard Miller packaged together would make the money work. But Dosunmu becomes an unrestricted free agent next year and will demand more money.

Tre Jones (Bulls)

Wolves fans just got an up-close look at Jones’ winning antics on Thursday, when he put up 12 points, 7 assists, and 3 rebounds on 5-7 shooting in 27 minutes. Jones also forced a late-game turnover against Jaden McDaniels and hit a clutch layup.

After the game, however, the Bulls announced that Jones had suffered a left hamstring strain and would be re-evaluated in two weeks, right before the trade deadline.

Jones is an undersized guard (6’1”) who shoots 32.8% from deep, but he’s averaging 12.4 points and 5.8 assists this season. Much like his brother, Tyus, Tre limits turnovers and puts pressure on the defense by getting downhill quickly. On the other end, he also defends the point-of-attack at a high level.

Tre Jones is on a team-friendly deal, making $8 million this season and under team control until 2028, which adds incentive for the Wolves to part with youth to acquire him. But because of his deal, the Bulls may be more inclined to keep him past the deadline.

Jevon Carter (Bulls)

Carter, 30, is probably the most obtainable of all of Chicago’s guards. Billy Donovan doesn’t have him in the rotation, but in limited action this season, Carter is shooting 41.4% from deep on 3.3 attempts per game.

Over his eight-year career, Carter is a 38% 3-point shooter. He’s spent time with the Memphis Grizzlies, Phoenix Suns, Brooklyn Nets, Milwaukee Bucks, and the Bulls. At every stop, the 6’0” guard has been a level-headed winner on offense who brings tenacious defense on the perimeter.

Carter is making $6.8 million this season before he becomes an unrestricted free agent in the summer. Again, Dillingham and Miller packaged together would make the money work. But would the Wolves be willing to part ways with that youth for what would likely be a half-season rental with Carter?

Coby White (Bulls)

White, 25, is the biggest, most expensive name on this list.

In acquiring White, the Wolves would get a starting-level point guard who would provide the team with the dynamic, trustworthy ball handler it has missed this season, while also being a long-term partner next to Edwards. However, unlike the names above, White is still sharpening his defense.

In 24 games this season, White is averaging 18.8 points, 4.7 assists, and 3.5 rebounds on 45% from the floor, and 41.2% on catch-and-shoot three-pointers.

White is making $12.8 million this season before he becomes an unrestricted free agent in the summer. If the Wolves were to package Donte DiVincenzo and Terrence Shannon Jr. together, the money would work. Also, if the Wolves trade for White, it is worth noting that they’d likely be committing to signing him long-term.

Jose Alvarado (New Orleans Pelicans)

Alvarado, 27, missed nine straight games with an oblique injury, but returned to the lineup on Sunday. In 36 games this season, Alavarado is averaging 7.9 points, 3.2 assists, and 2.9 rebounds on 42.4% from the floor and 36% from deep in 22 minutes.

He’s undersized (6’0”) and shoots 41.3% from the floor over his 5-year career and 35% from deep. Still, playoff teams are pursuing Alavarado at the deadline because of his pace and scrappy defense, which provide a spark off the bench.

Alvarado is making $4.5 million this season. He has a player option next season. Swapping him for Dillingham would work financially and make sense for all sides. The Wolves get a rugged, winning guard. The Pelicans, who have the worst record in the Western Conference, acquire a young, promising guard in Dillingham. And Dillingham gets a fresh start on a team that could provide him with a more consistent role.

Keon Ellis (Sacramento Kings)

Sacramento seems headed toward a full retooling at the deadline. Ellis, 26, is drawing “serious attention” around the league because of his relentless point-of-attack defense.

This season, guards are shooting 41% from the floor with Ellis as the primary defender and 33.3% from deep. The 6-foot-4 combo guard is having a down shooting year, connecting on 36.4% of his three-pointers. However, over his four-year career, Ellis is a 41.5% three-point shooter. He’s also more efficient on catch-and-shoot three-point attempts, as opposed to pull-ups.

The Athletic reported that Sacramento is seeking a late first-round pick for Ellis, who’s making $2.3 million this season before becoming an unrestricted free agent in the summer. Perhaps the Kings are fans of Shannon, or maybe Miller and a second-round pick/picks would be enough to get the deal done. If not, the Wolves do have tradable first-round picks.

Ellis isn’t a natural floor general like the other guards on this list. The Kings also seem to have a high price tag on him. However, the Wolves would greatly benefit from his defense and shot-making.

Maybe he can be Minnesota’s next Nickeil Alexander-Walker?

Forwards

Off the bench, Finch doesn’t have a natural forward that he can trust. Terrence Shannon Jr. has missed the last 15 games with a foot injury. And when Shannon has played this season, he has struggled. Therefore, the Wolves would benefit from picking up a switchable wing at the deadline.

Kyle Anderson (Utah Jazz)

Up for a little reunion? Anderson is in Year 12 and has played only 17 games for the Jazz, who are focusing on their young core. Anderson, 32, played over 30 minutes in a game once this season. In that game against the Los Angeles Clippers, he put up 22 points, 8 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 blocks on 8 of 10 shooting in 32 minutes.

Wolves fans know what Slow-Mo brings. He’s a true point forward at 6-foot-9 who can settle things down with the ball in his hands and operates well as both the screener and ball handler in pick-and-roll situations. Anderson is also a viable option to break zone defenses and is a lengthy, switchable defender on the other end.

Anderson is making $9.2 million this season and $9.7 million next year. The Wolves could straight-up swap him for Conley, who would return to a place he spent three and a half seasons with and earned his first All-Star appearance.

Naji Marshall (Dallas Mavericks)

Marshall, 28, would give the Wolves instant offense off the bench with the ball in his hands, while also playing impactful defense. The 6’6” forward is having a career year this season, averaging 14.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3 assists on 64.6% from two-point range and 30.6% from three in 19 minutes.

Marschall probably won’t be a budget acquisition. He is making $9 million this season and $9.4 million in 2026-27. He then becomes a free agent. The Mavericks are 19-27 and could be looking to retool for next season, so moving on from Marschall right now makes sense. With that, however, Dallas would probably want draft picks in addition to the salary match the Wolves have to include to acquire Marschall.

Centers

Joan Beringer has played well in his first meaningful NBA minutes. However, adding another, more proven big man who can defend the rim and grab rebounds when Rudy Gobert is on the bench would serve the Wolves well in the playoffs.

Clint Capela (Houston Rockets)

Capela is in his 12th NBA season. He’s averaging 11.6 minutes per game, his fewest since his rookie year, when he played 12 games. Still, Capela, 31, remains a productive rim defender and a reliable rebounder. With the 6’1”0 big man on the floor this season, the Rockets give up 3.5 fewer points per 100 possessions than when he is on the bench, which ranks in the 78th percentile according to Cleaning the Glass.

Here is Houston’s opponent shooting against Capela this season, along with the corresponding difference from Houston’s team average:

• Overall: 42.8% | Difference: -6%
• Greater than 15 feet: 25.3% | Difference: -9.8%
• Less than 6 feet: 50.9% | Difference: -10.7%
• 2 Pointers: 49.4% | Difference: -6.3%
• Less than 10 feet: 48.9% | Difference: -9.2%

Again, those numbers are to be taken with a grain of salt because of Capela’s limited playing time this season. Still, at a $7.3 million price tag, Minnesota bringing in Capela’s defensive experience could be a smart move to sure up its bench depth for the playoffs.

Kevon Looney (Pelicans)

In acquiring Looney, 29, the Wolves would be getting a three-time NBA Champion and a tough-minded big man who knows how to leverage his strengths to mask his weaknesses and promote winning basketball.

The 6’9” center has never averaged more than seven points in a season. Looney is averaging 2.7 points this season on 42.6% shooting, his lowest field-goal percentage since 2020, when he played only 20 games.

But what makes Looney a winner is his brickwall screen ability, which makes up for his inability to space the floor. He’s also a dependable low-post defender with a high basketball IQ.

Looney is making $8 million this season and next, when he has a team option. His screen setting would be a valuable tool for Edwards and DiVincenzo. His defensive IQ would help patch Minnesota’s inability to defend the rim without Gobert.