The Minnesota Timberwolves are poised to make some roster changes this offseason and they have, of course, been connected to several stars. Recently, The Athletic's Jon Krawczynski reported five names that the Wolves have confirmed interest in.
One name that wasn't included, though, was Ja Morant, a player who some Wolves fans consider a dream target while others (including myself) consider him someone the Wolves should steer clear of.
"The list of veterans whom the Wolves have discussed this spring includes the Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Dallas Mavericks’ Kyrie Irving, the New Orleans Pelicans’ Trey Murphy III, the Chicago Bulls’ Josh Giddey, the Boston Celtics’ Derrick White and many more. A couple of important caveats are that every team in the league is considering veteran help, and that having interest in a player does not mean any potential trades have ever been close," Krawczynski wrote.
Now, it's possible that Morant is one of the "many more." Still, wouldn't Krawczynski want to list Morant in this case since he is, at the bare minimum, one of the biggest names the Wolves could trade for?
It's worth noting that The Athletic previously reported Minnesota had shown some level of interest in Morant, but it was unclear how serious this interest was or if it was current.
Based on Krawczynski's reporting, I think it's fair to assume that the Wolves aren't in the mix for Ja at this juncture. This is among Wolves fans, but if you ask me, that's a good thing.
A presumed lack of interest in Ja Morant is a controversial stance
Without a doubt, it's hard to pinpoint which one of these trade targets is realistic for the Wolves despite the intrigue of all of them.
Giannis seems to be unlikely and Krawczynski's reporting confirms this. Irving is unavailable. The Wolves' offers for White and Giddey don't seem to interest their respective teams. Finally, Murphy also seems like a long shot.
Regardless, things can change in a hurry this time of year.
Furthermore, all of these names would be a better fit than Ja alongside Anthony Edwards if you ask me. Morant's inability to play off the ball, poor shooting, and injury concerns make him a target to avoid despite his talent.
Other fans would argue that Morant is the Wolves' best chance of landing a star-level player and they should pursue him despite the risks.
Where the Wolves pivot if they strike out on these five names and don't opt to pursue Morant is worth wondering. I would confess it probably means a star trade is unlikely, but as I've said many times before, depth and fit are just as vital as talent.
Jalen Suggs is a name that many Wolves fans, including myself, have advocated for. As a connective versatile guard in a similar mold to White, Suggs makes a lot of sense. Dejounte Murray is also someone I'd look into, given his high-level playmaking, creation and defensive chops.
Without a doubt, the Wolves need some extra playmaking and creation alongside Ant-Man. I just don't think that needs to come from a traditional star (though Murray is closer to that tier).
In any event, Morant's omission from the Wolves' listed trade target is noteworthy and it's something fans surely have a wide range of opinions on.
