During the Minnesota Timberwolves’ five-game losing streak, it’s been abundantly clear that Anthony Edwards needs someone to help him in the backcourt.
It’s Time For Timberwolves To Help Anthony Edwards With Point Guard Trade
Minny’s magnetic star has averaged 33.6 points per game over his last five games, even going off for a career-high 55 points against the San Antonio Spurs. Yet, their point guard duo of Donte DiVincenzo and Mike Conley has paled in comparison, averaging 15.6 points per game combined. In all fairness, DiVincenzo’s output (13.4 points per game) wouldn’t be so bad if he wasn’t shooting a 35.4% from the field in that time. His usually consistent outside jumper has even been patchy, with the eight-year veteran going 17-49 (34.7%) from 3.
Within striking distance of their second top-four finish in the Western Conference in three years, there isn’t really a sense of panic in Minnesota. However, there are many Wolves fans howling at the front office in hopes they’ll finally upgrade at point guard. Again, DiVincenzo’s offensive performances have generally been pretty disappointing as of late. Conley’s saving grace this season has been his passing ability, defensive effort, leadership qualities and 19 years of NBA experience.
Donte DiVincenzo’s More Of A 2-Guard, Anyways
Over the court of the season, many DiVincenzo’s in-the-paint 2s (non-RA) have been clanking off the rim, which has driven down his overall field goal percentage.
This is actually relatively insignificant in and of itself. But what it does do is help help the fact he lacks elite gravity inside of the 3-point line, limiting his playmaking ability. In fact, he entered Minnesota’s matchup against the Golden State Warriors tied with Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. with 21 assists on drives, which is suboptimal for a starting point guard.
Of course, DiVincenzo is a true combo guard with how the Timberwolves use him. Though he’s second on the team in total assists (191), as he’s often playing pitch-and-catch with Julius Randle. To that point, Randle has been the quarterback for 53 of DiVincenzo’s field goals this season, a team-high. In fact, over 61 percent of his field goals have been assisted (and over 92 percent of his 3s).
Between his role and Conley’s decline, there’s no reason for Minnesota to avoid addressing a problematic position group before the trade deadline buzzer.
Ja Morant
Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant is the player that people want to see in a Timberwolves jersey. A takeover scorer with a tremendous amount of flair, he should have the world in his hands with his combination of star power and star talent. Instead, he’s the league’s problem child, leaving much to be desired on and off the court. Ultimately, his upside may be worth the risk of losing valuable assets but he doesn’t make the decision easy.
Coby White
Chicago Bulls former seventh overall pick Coby White is thought to be one of the Timberwolves trade targets. Like DiVincenzo, he’s also a hybrid guard, but he’s more of an on-ball playmaker. He’s also the kind of scorer that Conley hasn’t been for a long time, averaging 18.8 points per game this season. The real question is whether he’ll have the defensive discipline, let alone ability, to stay on Chris Finch’s good side.
Tre Jones
Bulls point guard Tre Jones has also been linked to Minnesota. However, unlike White, Jones is a traditional point guard whose passing ability is his best trait. An effective driver, he’s averaged in double-figures in three of the past four seasons. Despite his diminutive size, he’s also a solid team defender. Still, he’s a subpar 3-point shooter and is currently nursing a hamstring injury.
Jose Alvarado
If Minnesota wants Jose Alvarado, they’ll likely find themselves competing with the Houston Rockets. Nevertheless, the Timberwolves have indeed been painted as suitors for the New Orleans Pelicans point guard. A tenacious on-ball defender with a knack for creating steals, he’s a player Finch may love to have. The biggest drawback of adding the boricua baller is that he’s injury-prone, playing fewer than 62 games every season of his career.
Collin Sexton
Charlotte Hornets guard Collin Sexton is the last player on this list who’s been linked to Minnesota. He’s also another player whose disposition would fit Finch’s fancy. The Young Bull is not only incredibly intense but a true team player who holds himself accountable and accepts responsibility. Just as important, he’s an efficient volume scorer who has taken a noticeable leap as a facilitator. Defensively, he’s less prone to mistakes when guarding off-ball.
Dennis Schroder
Sacramento Kings journeyman Dennis Schroder has not been mentioned as a player Minnesota has their eyes on. However, he’s a seasoned lead guard whose play in international FIBA tournaments has highlighted his qualities as a floor general. On top of that, his fiery personality seems to fit the Timberwolves. DiVincenzo is arguably a better player due to his advantage from outside. Even so, Schroder’s a much more potent scorer than this version of Conley.
Malik Monk
Schroder isn’t the only Kings ball-handler that could be traded within the next couple of weeks. Two-time All-Star selection Zach LaVine and perennial Sixth Man of the Year candidate Malik Monk have consistently been mentioned as well. Of those two, Monk makes the most sense for the Timberwolves. Though inconsistent at both ends, he’s a confident and athletic guard who’s in the midst of his most efficient season.
Jaden Ivey
Fourth-year pro Jaden Ivey may be one of the best buy-low options for Minnesota. Having revamped his jumper, the agile 23-year-old is shooting above 45 percent from the field and 36 percent from 3 for the second straight season. But stuck in gear while Cade Cunningham motors the Detroit Pistons forward, he’s posting 8.4 points per game. Not only is that a career-low, it’s less than half of his 2024-25 average (17.6 points per game).
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