The Minnesota Timberwolves have made back-to-back Western Conference Finals appearances. This year, a lot was expected of this team after those two deep runs. Right now, the Timberwolves are sixth in the Western Conference standings.
While the Wolves are in a good spot, they have had some issues at the point guard spot. Mike Conley has had to play more minutes at the end of games more often than expected. At the age of 38, he is no longer part of the starting lineup.
A wild trade proposal from Bleacher Report would see Minnesota bring in James Harden to help with the ball-handling issue.
GettyJames Harden dribbles the ball. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Timberwolves Add James Harden In Trade Proposal
Here is the full trade proposal:
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: Jalen Green, Bones Hyland
Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: James Harden, Haywood Highsmith
Brooklyn Nets Receive: Mike Conley, Leonard Miller, 2026 second-round pick (second-most favorable of Dallas, Oklahoma City, and Philadelphia, via Phoenix), Memphis’ 2026 second-round pick (protected Nos. 43 to 60, via L.A. Clippers), Cleveland’s 2027 second-round pick (via Minnesota)
Phoenix Suns Receive: Julius Randle
In this scenario, affecting four different teams, the Wolves would be sending out Conley, Randle, and a second-round pick in return for Harden and Highsmith. Shipping Randle out would hurt their frontcourt depth, but Harden helps them out significantly in the backcourt.
Adding Harden would allow Anthony Edwards to get off the ball more, as he has turned into the de facto point guard. Donte DiVincenzo has been starting at point guard, but he doesn’t function like a true point guard. Harden would be able to dish out assists to other players and get everyone more involved.
Edwards’ assists are down from last season, even though he has the ball in his hands more. His scoring and his shooting efficiency are up, which is why the Timberwolves still have a shot to compete in the playoffs. This team still goes as far as he will take them.
GettyAnthony Edwards dribbles the ball. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
The Timberwolves May Not Need to Make a Massive Move
While this trade proposal would certainly help Minnesota its offense, it would be a pretty massive move to trade Randle. Randle is playing even better than he did last season, so trading him doesn’t make a lot of sense. The Timberwolves might not need to make a big move to compete for a title.
While the Thunder are the overwhelming favorites to win it all, the Wolves have proven they can turn it on in the postseason. Minnesota is eighth in the NBA in net rating, which shows that they have been playing some solid basketball. Adding a big piece like Harden might not be prudent.
There is a chance that the Timberwolves decide to add around the fringes to help them out. Minnesota has a track record that is worth trusting under both Tim Connelly and Chris Finch. Adding another aging star after trading for Rudy Gobert might not be the right decision.
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