Timberwolves keep roster intact at NBA trade deadline
Anthony Edwards #5 and Julius Randle #30 of the Minnesota Timberwolves high five during the game against the Dallas Mavericks on October 29, 2024 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. ((Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images))
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - The NBA’s trade deadline came and passed at 2 p.m. Thursday, and the Minnesota Timberwolves did not make any changes to their roster.
Earlier this week, Timberwolves’ players were of the belief that nobody was untouchable after the Dallas Mavericks made a blockbuster trade, sending Luka Doncic to the L.A. Lakes for Anthony Davis.
Timberwolves players shocked by Luka Doncic, Anthony Davis trade
Timberwolves players Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Mike Conley Jr. reacted at shootaround Monday to the trade involving Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis that sent shockwaves across the NBA. Anthony Edwards was also back on the court after missing Saturday's loss due to illness.
Why didn’t the Timberwolves do anything?
What we know:
The short answer is Tim Connelly made his big move just before training camp, sending Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo. Unfortunately for the Timberwolves, Randle (adductor strain) and DiVincenzo (foot) are both currently out injured.
Connelly and Chris Finch also believe in the current roster they have, led by Anthony Edwards. Pieces like Naz Reid, Jaden McDaniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker were too valuable to move, pending what they could get in return. They wouldn’t trade an injured Randle, and moving Rudy Gobert would’ve indicated the move to acquire him two years ago didn’t work without Towns. They also couldn't do much because of financial difficulties with the second apron.
The season
Why you should care:
Coming off a run to the Western Conference Finals, it hasn’t been the dominant start to the season the Timberwolves had hope for. They’re 28-23 and in the No. 67 spot in the Western Conference ahead of Thursday night’s game against the Houston Rockets. They have 31 games left to stay above the No. 7 spot, and avoid a play-in series for the playoffs.
They’re just a half game out of the No. 6 spot and 2.5 games out of the No. 5 spot. They have a two-game lead on the Mavericks for the No. 8 spot, and a 2.5 game lead on the Kings and Suns for the final two play-in spots.
Simply put, the Timberwolves have to continue to stack wins, and get healthy, to avoid having the end of the regular season be more complicated and difficult than it needs to be.