The Minnesota Timberwolves have shifted their focus from the 2024 NBA Draft to the free agency market. Their maneuverability is limited due to their position as a 2nd apron luxury tax team. Nonetheless, Tim Connelly is striving to maximize their opportunities within these constraints, aiming to secure veteran players on minimum deals.
Notably, he recently managed to sign Luka Garza to such a deal, despite the likelihood of limited playing time. Additionally, efforts are underway to persuade existing role players like Kyle Anderson and Monte Morris to accept pay cuts.
Lauri Markkanen to the Minnesota Timberwolves?
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer from Yahoo Sports, the Timberwolves are among several teams expressing interest in All-Star Lauri Markkanen, who, at 27 years old, remains a potent offensive threat.
Fischer reported that the Utah Jazz are open to discussions regarding Markkanen, with teams like Golden State, Sacramento, and San Antonio also showing significant interest. Minnesota’s interest in Markkanen is particularly noteworthy given his impressive performance and potential impact.
Markkanen, who was named the NBA’s Most Improved Player just a season ago, began his professional career in 2017 with the Chicago Bulls. Interestingly, it was the Timberwolves who initially drafted him before trading him to acquire Jimmy Butler.
Throughout his seven seasons in the league, Markkanen has been a consistent scorer, with his numbers soaring during his tenure with the Utah Jazz in the 2022-23 season, where he averaged 25 points and over 8 rebounds per game.
Acquiring Markkanen would significantly bolster the Timberwolves’ offense. However, with his current salary exceeding $18 million and a potential extension on the horizon, Minnesota might need to offload one or more players to accommodate him. The Jazz, on their part, are not looking to trade Markkanen without receiving substantial value in return.
The Potential Impact of a Markkanen Trade
Should Tim Connelly manage to orchestrate a trade for Markkanen, it could have profound implications for the Timberwolves’ roster. For instance, Jaden McDaniels’ starting position might be jeopardized, as he could be included in the trade package.
There’s also the possibility of a larger deal involving Karl-Anthony Towns. Any such trade would represent at least a semi-blockbuster move, significantly altering the current composition and perception of the Timberwolves’ roster.
This potential trade underscores the Timberwolves’ commitment to contending in the 2024-25 season. Acquiring a player of Markkanen’s caliber would reinforce their ambitions and signal their readiness to make bold moves to achieve their goals.
