The Minnesota Timberwolves primarily traded Karl-Anthony Towns for financial reasons. Still, another key factor was to bolster their depth by adding Donte DiVincenzo and a first-round pick, which later became Joan Beringer, in addition to, of course, Julius Randle.
Two years later, the Wolves find themselves at a crossroads. They've advanced past the first-round for three years in a row, including two conference finals runs. Regardless, this year's second-round exit showed that the Wolves are a clear notch below true contention.
The tricky thing is that the Wolves need both more star-level creation and depth alongside Anthony Edwards. Despite his reputation for being a star-oriented executive, Tim Connelly showed the world two years ago that he values depth over raw talent.
Now, with the need to trade Randle again, the Wolves will have to balance the need for star power and depth. If they give up multiple pieces for a star, even if this star doesn't have the same high salary that Towns does ($55.1 million a year), the Wolves would be somewhat negating the logic of the KAT trade. But frankly, to trade for a true star, the Wolves might have to trade multiple pieces.
If you consider the Towns trade to be a total disaster -- that's fine, but there was some real logic in prioritizing depth and flexibility in the apron era. Without a doubt, how much the Wolves still cherish depth will be tested this summer.
The Wolves will likely have to cut into their depth to trade for a star
Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints mentioned that rival scouts have pointed to Randle being packaged with DiVincenzo and the 28th pick for an established All-Star-like talent. While it's not exactly the same since Beringer isn't in the deal, it's a very similar package to what the Wolves got back for Towns.
I understand that DiVincenzo's injury makes his status for next season up in the air and that Chris Finch doesn't typically play rookies. However, there's optimism that DiVincenzo could return at some point next season and long-term, it's hard to replicate his skill set. Plus, while Finch typically isn't fond of rookies, drafting a first-round prospect can help the Wolves add to their young core and long-term depth.
It's also hard to pinpoint which star the Wolves would land with this package that Siegel floated. I'll admit he's far from my favorite trade target, but Ja Morant is the only star name that would make sense for a package like this. Maybe De'Aaron Fox? But that would be a massive salary for the Wolves to take on and the San Antonio Spurs don't seem keen on trading him.
Regarding Morant, I question his fit playing off the ball in addition to his immense injury history. For the Wolves to gut their depth for a player like this is risky and since he makes over $40 million for the next two seasons, it will be hard for Minnesota to replicate their depth. I also don't see the Grizzlies trading a high-end role player along with Morant -- he has been the face of their franchise after all.
Maybe the idea of a rejuvenated Ja is tantalizing enough for Connelly to roll the dice. Regardless, there's no denying it would be a departure from the philosophy they committed to in 2024, unless they make a subsequent move.
Now, it's possible the Wolves trade for a high salary like Ja, compromising their depth and then follow this up by trading Rudy Gobert for more depth. While this is possible, it could prove to be difficult to find a capable starting center and bolster your depth in a Gobert deal.
If the Wolves do cut into their depth in a star trade, how they follow this move up will certainly test how much they prioritize depth.
Trading for a star sounds great, but depth and fit are also vital
Listen, I would love for the Timberwolves to trade for a star. Frankly, though, I can't find a star who is an ideal fit and could be obtained for a reasonable price that doesn't damage their depth. Kyrie Irving not being available for trade really hurt the Wolves' chances of landing a star. Dejounte Murray might be the best player available.
In the modern NBA, depth and fit are equally as important (if not more so) as star power. As such, the Wolves can't blindly chase star power -- they must find players who fit seamlessly alongside Ant and at a bare minimum, they need to ensure their bench isn't worse than it was last season.
I would advocate for targeting someone like Jalen Suggs to fill their guard void and Nic Claxton to replace Gobert. Moves like this would give the Wolves a well-balanced and logically fitting roster around Ant-Man. Hopefully, one of the younger players emerges as a true second option.
It's a risky proposition, but I think it's even more of a risky proposition to trade for a star whose fit isn't seamless and sacrificing your depth. Again, Connelly showed he values depth two years ago with the KAT trade and this summer will test just how much he prioritizes it.
