The Minnesota Timberwolves had an impressive 2023-24 season, but they need to make some adjustments this offseason. To enhance their roster after their playoff shortfall, the Timberwolves should be active in the trade market.
They reached the Western Conference Finals but lost to the Dallas Mavericks in five games. Star guard Anthony Edwards had a breakout season, leading Minnesota and establishing himself as one of the league’s top players. The 22-year-old averaged 25.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.3 steals per game, with shooting percentages of 46.1 percent from the field and 35.7 percent from three-point range. Edwards is now one of the NBA’s rising stars, and at his young age, the Timberwolves’ championship window remains wide open.
Edwards is supported by Karl-Anthony Towns, Rudy Gobert, Jaden McDaniels, and Mike Conley in the starting lineup, forming one of the best defensive units in basketball.
Off the bench, they have Naz Reid, the Sixth Man of the Year, who was crucial in their West Finals run. Reid averaged 13.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists throughout the season, shooting 47.7 percent from the floor and 41.4 percent from deep.
While Minnesota’s roster is strong, a few strategic moves could make them favorites in the Western Conference.
Here are three trade targets for the Timberwolves in the 2024 NBA offseason.
Davion Mitchell
The Timberwolves’ roster is largely solid, but they do have a need to acquire a backup point guard. With Monte Morris and Jordan McLaughlin set to become free agents, Minnesota faces a gap in their bench lineup.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker currently serves as the primary guard off the Timberwolves’ bench but could benefit from a complementary player. Davion Mitchell would seamlessly integrate into Minnesota’s defensive system.
Mitchell, known for his strong defensive skills, averaged 5.3 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game this season. At 25 years old, he is still developing his offensive game, which might prompt Sacramento to consider trading him.
Mitchell’s defensive prowess makes him an ideal addition to the Timberwolves’ bench unit.
Sam Merrill
The Timberwolves may also look to add a specialist in three-point shooting. Sam Merrill had an impressive season with the Cleveland Cavaliers and would be a valuable addition.
Merrill averaged 8.0 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game. The 28-year-old maintained a 40.4 percent shooting accuracy from beyond the arc.
His proficiency in three-point shooting would greatly benefit the Timberwolves’ bench. Merrill is entering the final year of his contract with a salary of $2.1 million, making him an affordable option. As a backup guard, Merrill would provide excellent shooting and depth for Minnesota.
Garrison Mathews
Garrison Mathews presents another shooting option that the Timberwolves should consider pursuing. Mathews played in 66 games for the Atlanta Hawks, averaging 4.9 points while shooting 45.6 percent from the field and an impressive 44 percent from three-point range.
The Hawks have a team option worth $2.2 million for Mathews for the 2024-25 season. While Mathews may not be a star player, his exceptional shooting ability would make him a valuable role player for the Timberwolves.
Minnesota is seeking a shooter like Mathews who can effectively space the floor. With Edwards drawing significant attention driving to the basket, Mathews could capitalize on open three-point opportunities as defenses focus on Edwards.
While the Timberwolves have limited trade flexibility this offseason, it’s crucial for them to prioritize adding depth to support their core players. With one of the league’s top rosters, Minnesota could further enhance their competitiveness by acquiring role players such as Mitchell, Merrill, or Mathews.
