The Minnesota Timberwolves have been playing better ball as of late. They are still in the basement when it pertains to the NBA standings, but there have been noticeable strides taken under new head coach Chris Finch, who came over during the season from Toronto to replace Ryan Saunders.

Minnesota isn't competing for a playoff spot this year. What they do have are two franchise pillars in Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards to build around. The rest, well, that's up for debate. With the NBA trade deadline rapidly approaching, here are two trades the Timberwolves should make before the deadline passes.

Magic receive Ricky Rubio

Timberwolves receive Aaron Gordon

This one is pretty cut and dry, and it apparently almost happened already. The Magic are looking to upgrade at the point guard position, while Minnesota is looking to add some versatility on the defensive side. This trade isn't going to cause a seismic shift in the landscape of the NBA, but it would benefit both sides.

It's important to note that the trade could be this simple as the salaries match up for both players, though Orlando wants more. Minnesota would likely want assurances that Aaron Gordon would want to stick around, as he is set to become a free agent after the 2021-22 season. The Timberwolves won't be looking to add pieces for the now but instead, pieces for the long term and the future.

Aaron Gordon certainly helps the now, but again, you'd want some level of confidence that he would be willing to stick around. This trade provides the Timberwolves with a forward who has freakish athleticism and could use a shakeup to revitalize his career. At just 25 years of age, there's plenty of layers to still hopefully peel back in Gordon's game.

Orlando gets Rubio, a point guard they could use who is good at facilitating and setting up teammates. His game had really dipped off at the outset of the season, but he has been better of late. A fan favorite in Minnesota, this trade might not go over well with some Wolves fans, but it's time for a dose of reality: Ricky Rubio is not the long-term answer for Minnesota at point guard even in this second go-around.

Clippers receive Ricky Rubio

Timberwolves receive Luke Kennard, Amir Coffey

The Clippers are desperately looking to upgrade with a veteran point guard. As luck would have it, Ricky Rubio is a veteran point guard!

In this trade, both teams get something that they desire. The Clippers are competing for a title right now and need a maestro at point to help out Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. Ricky Rubio would be a boost to their current situation and would provide stability and a veteran presence to the Clippers.

Luke Kennard has fallen out of favor in Los Angeles. The 3-point specialist was supposed to be a contributor in the Clippers' rotation in 2021 and beyond when he signed a four-year extension, but he hasn't even touched the floor the last two games and has barely been in the rotation of late. Minnesota gets a player who's still just 24 and can get hot from beyond the arc. It's worth taking a flyer on for a Minnesota offense that will look to add more shooters.

To help match salaries and put a feel-good narrative to this trade, Amir Coffey comes to Minnesota. The Minnesota native and former Golden Gopher is buried on the Clippers' bench and likely wouldn't be a part of the Timberwolves' rotation at first, but bring the Minnesota kid back home even if he does enjoy Los Angeles for now.

Whether or not the Wolves pull the trigger on any trades before the deadline is to be determined. But if any past instances with Gersson Rosas are a sign of things to come, expect him to be lighting up the phone lines at minimum leading up to the deadline.