The Minnesota Timberwolves had a great 2023-24 campaign, but they have some work to do this offseason. The Timberwolves should be active in the trade market to upgrade their roster after falling short in the playoffs.
The Timberwolves made it all the way to the Western Conference Finals but lost to the Dallas Mavericks in five games. Having a breakout campaign, star guard Anthony Edwards led the way for Minnesota and has emerged as one of the league's top players.
The 22-year-old averaged 25.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 46.1 percent from the field and 35.7 percent from three. Edwards is one of the faces of the NBA, and at only 22 years old, the Timberwolves' title window is wide open.
Karl-Anthony Towns, Rudy Gobert, Jaden McDaniels, and Mike Conley surround Edwards in the starting lineup. This is one of the best starting lineups in basketball, as they were an elite defensive unit.
They also have Naz Reid, the Sixth Man of the Year, off their bench. Reid was pivotal for the Timberwolves' West Finals run, averaging 13.5 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.3 assists throughout the season. He shot 47.7 percent from the floor and 41.4 percent from deep.
Minnesota doesn't have many holes on their roster, but a few moves could solidify them as the favorites in the Western Conference.
With that said, here are three Timberwolves trade targets in the 2024 NBA offseason.
Davion Mitchell
The Timberwolves' roster doesn't have many needs, but they need to add a backup point guard. Monte Morris and Jordan McLaughlin will be free agents, creating a void for Minnesota's bench.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker was the lead guard for the Timberwolves off the bench but could use someone alongside him. Davion Mitchell would fit into Minnesota's defensive system seamlessly.
Mitchell is a high-quality defender who averaged 5.3 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game this season. The 25-year-old hasn't developed his offensive game, and Sacramento could look to move him.
Mitchell would be a tremendous scheme fit for the Timberwolves bench unit.
Sam Merrill
The Timberwolves could also be in the market for a pure 3-point shooter. Sam Merrill had a breakout campaign with the Cleveland Cavaliers and would be a phenomenal pickup.
Merrill averaged 8.0 points per game, along with 2.0 rebounds and 1.8 assists. The 28-year-old shot 40.4 percent from behind the arc.
Merrill's 3-point shooting ability would be huge off their bench. Merrill is entering the final year of his deal and is only making $2.1 million. As a backup guard, Merrill would be a tremendous shooter and depth piece for the Timberwolves.
Garrison Mathews
Garrison Mathews is another shooter that the Timberwolves should pursue. Mathews appeared in 66 games for the Atlanta Hawks, averaging 4.9 points while shooting 45.6 percent from the field and 44 percent from downtown.
The Hawks have a $2.2 million team option for Mathews for the 2024-25 season. Although Mathews isn't a star, his elite shooting ability would make him a quality role player for the Timberwolves.
Minnesota is in need of a shooter like Matthews, who could fit well as a floor spacer.
Edwards puts a ton of pressure on the rim, which could create open looks from three for Mathews as the defense collapses on Edwards.
The Timberwolves don't have a ton of flexibility to make trades this offseason, but they must prioritize surrounding its core with more depth on the bench. Minnesota has one of the best rosters in the league, and adding a role player like Mitchell, Merrill, or Mathews could help them improve more.
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