The core of the Minnesota Timberwolves have been built to flourish on the offensive side of the floor, but over the last few years, their defense has been disastrous. Head coach Chris Finch is also formulating his offensive schemes to unload the full potential of Karl Anthony-Towns, Anthony Edwards, and D'Angelo Russell. The front office bolstered their defense by adding Patrick Beverley in the offseason and inserting Jarred Vanderbilt and Jaden McDaniels to play alongside Towns.
There were even spurts that Minnesota was remarkable defensively this season, but it has not been consistent for the Timberwolves to compete with the powerhouses in the Western Conference. With the trade deadline approaching and Minnesota is hoping to reach the play-in tournament, the team could acquire some pieces to complement Edwards and Towns.
Larry Nance Jr.
Many of the teams that are going to be buyers at the trade deadline could utilize Larry Nance Jr. in their rotation because of his versatility and ability to adjust to any sort of system. Minnesota pushes the ball a ton with Edwards and Russell at the forefront, thus creating several opportunities for Nance to run and convert his rim-rattling jams.
Even with Towns on the bench, Nance Jr. could play with Naz Reid in the second unit if Finch decides to continue starting Vanderbilt alongside Towns. The Portland Trail Blazers seem to not like the fit of Nance with their style of play, but he could fit in a young and upcoming roster. Unloading Taurean Prince's expiring contract and adding a draft pick is a deal that would satisfy both sides.
Thaddeus Young
Acquiring Thaddeus Young from the San Antonio Spurs for Prince seems like a boring swap for both organizations, but Young can provide the veteran experience and vital guidance for Towns and Edwards. It will be unlikely for Young to stay in Minnesota for the foreseeable future, but this one year where the Timberwolves' target is to make the play-in tournament will be integral to their growth and development.
Young will complement the talented duo because he does the dirty work, like jockeying for position in the block to grab rebounds and setting bruising screens on the pesky defenders. He has been in the league for more than 10 years already, and he brings the winning mentality and attitude that is necessary for a franchise like Minnesota.
Jerami Grant
As the Timberwolves scour through the trade market, the Detroit Pistons are just one of the few teams that are highly likely to be sellers because their team is not going anywhere this season. Jerami Grant is their highest-paid player, and it does not seem like he is part of their rebuilding timeline because he is already 27 years old.
With Minnesota lacking an athletic forward that has a multitude of skill sets, they must pounce on the opportunity to trade for Grant, who has only two years left in his contract. Moreover, the Timberwolves have a few young assets and salary fillers that could convince Detroit to complete the deal. Grant could also be the missing piece for Minnesota to elevate their team to a tier that would be competitive in the play-in tournament and possibly make the top eight of the conference.
Excluding the 2018 season with Jimmy Butler, the last time the Timberwolves made the playoffs was way back in 2004 with Kevin Garnett as the team's leader. Their front office must continue growing and surrounding Edwards and Towns with phenomenal individuals that would show up in the most critical games of the season. As Edwards and Towns are still developing with their playoff experience, it is integral to have athletes that could complement their sensational tandem.
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