The Minnesota Timberwolves are at a crossroads, and it’s a moment that could define their season. Do they stick with their current roster and hope for the best, or do they shake things up with a bold trade to address their point guard dilemma? This question is at the heart of Zach Lowe’s recent musings, and it’s one that has fans and analysts alike on the edge of their seats. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is their point guard situation really as dire as some believe, or are we overreacting to a few tough losses against powerhouse teams like the Lakers and Nuggets?
Lowe, in his latest podcast, floated the idea of the Timberwolves making a trade to upgrade their backcourt. ‘I do wonder if there’s a trade to be made here, to upgrade the backcourt rotation at some point,’ he said. The team has experimented with Bones Hyland, but his performance has been, well, underwhelming. Rob Dillingham, on the other hand, got a chance to shine against Charlotte, showcasing both his potential and his inconsistencies. And this is the part most people miss: While the Timberwolves’ starting five without Anthony Edwards has the NBA’s best net rating at plus-15.9, their early defensive struggles and point guard inconsistencies have raised eyebrows.
Let’s break it down. The lineup of Mike Conley, Donte DiVincenzo, Jaden McDaniels, Julius Randle, and Rudy Gobert has been nothing short of elite, posting a 124.1 offensive rating and a 108.1 defensive rating in 63 minutes together. For context, Golden State’s starting five, featuring Steph Curry and Draymond Green, has a plus-14.2 net rating in 61 minutes. But when Edwards replaces Conley in the lineup, the defensive rating drops to 128.0. Is this a sign of defensive weakness, or was it just a rough patch exacerbated by tough matchups, like the Lakers game where Luka Doncic was unstoppable?
The Timberwolves have recently dominated Charlotte and Brooklyn, looking more like the team that reached the Western Conference finals in the past two seasons. But let’s be real—Charlotte and Brooklyn aren’t exactly top-tier opponents. The real test will come when they face a quality team, and that’s when we’ll know if their early defensive issues are truly behind them.
Some argue that the early struggles weren’t solely due to point guard woes. Naz Reid’s inconsistent bench contributions, Conley’s slow start, Terrence Shannon Jr.’s offensive struggles, and Gobert’s initial lack of rim protection all played a role. But the point guard position remains a focal point. If Conley can’t sustain 25-30 minutes per game, and Dillingham or Hyland can’t step up, the Timberwolves may have no choice but to make a move before the February 6 trade deadline.
Dillingham has averaged 16 minutes off the bench since Edwards’ hamstring injury, but with Edwards potentially returning against the Knicks, Dillingham’s role is in question. If he’s benched again, it’ll signal that his recent minutes were out of necessity, not confidence. The Timberwolves need point guards they trust and want on the court, and if Conley is the only reliable option, a trade might be inevitable.
Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Could a controversial move, like pursuing Ja Morant, be the game-changer the Timberwolves need, or would it introduce more risk than reward? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments—do you think the Timberwolves should make a trade, or stick with their current roster and hope for the best?
