The Minnesota Timberwolves are in an interesting spot this season. Picking up the pace after a slow start, the Wolves are back to where they want to be, aiming for the NBA championship. Anthony Edwards remains the cornerstone of their success, looking to pull off a miracle for his team.
That being said, one can’t deny that a little extra help can go a long way. And if the Timberwolves pull off a successful trade, it’ll only propel them towards an assured playoff spot.
Minnesota Timberwolves Could Aim for Dynamic Backcourt Upgrade as 2025-26 Season Heats Up
Currently, the Timberwolves are heavily reliant on Edwards and Julius Randle to carry the team forward. And while players like Donte DiVincenzo and Rudy Gobert are equally important, one can’t say no to any extra help they receive.
According to PFSN’s Noah Rubin, the Timberwolves have a probable trade option in the Detroit Pistons. Now, while the Pistons might get more out of this trade, swapping DiVincenzo for Ivey might give Minnesota a new option at backcourt.
“For Minnesota, the price isn’t terribly high to add a former top-five pick that hasn’t panned out yet but still holds plenty of upside. Ivey still has All-Star upside, and he would get the chance to be a primary ball handler for the Timberwolves, which is when he has been at his best in Detroit,” Rubin explained in his report.
Having said that, the Wolves will need to keep an eye on Ivey’s injury. Missing most of the last season due to a fibula injury, Ivey’s return hit a roadblock as he underwent surgery for a knee injury.
Currently still out, the Wolves might be playing a gamble if they go ahead with a trade. However, as Rubin pointed out, they might benefit from his reliable ball-handling skills down the line.
Before his injury last season, Ivey was averaging 17.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, and four assists while shooting 46% from the field. DiVincenzo, on the other hand, is averaging 13.8 points this season.
- Detroit Pistons receive: Donte DiVincenzo, 2027 second-round pick (via CLE), 2029 second-round pick.
- Minnesota Timberwolves receive: Jaden Ivey.
Ivey is currently signed to a four-year, $32,951,083 contract with the Pistons. His annual salary is $8,237,771. An overall pick No. 5 during the 2022 NBA draft, Ivey has spent his entire career with the Pistons.
Ivey Isn’t the Only Player the Wolves Can Trade For
Having said that, the Wolves might have a few other blockbuster trade options. According to CBS Sports’ Sam Quinn, the Wolves could also pull off a Ja Morant move.
Explaining their position in the Western Conference, Quinn described their future might be reason enough to pull off such a trade. “…While the Timberwolves may have reached the conference finals a year ago, they didn’t [do] much once they were there. Minnesota is in danger of getting left in the Western Conference dust over the next few years,” he wrote.
Having said that, the Wolves, depending on their position a few weeks later, can take a call on what particular trade they need.
Currently ranked sixth with a 7-4 win-loss record, the Wolves will face the Sacramento Kings in their next game on Friday, November 14.