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NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 05: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves warms up before the game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on November 05, 2025 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
After their second-round playoff loss, the Minnesota Timberwolves feel destined for major roster changes this NBA offseason to construct a new group around franchise superstar Anthony Edwards, and a blockbuster trade could be coming soon.
With players like Julius Randle, Rudy Gobert, Donte DiVincenzo, Naz Reid, Jaden McDaniels, and potentially a few more on the table to be moved to land another star next to Edwards, the Timberwolves feel like one team ready to make a splash over the summer.
One name that they have been linked to, albeit perhaps not at the superstar level of a Kevin Durant or Giannis Antetokounmpo, both of whom Minnesota has kicked the tires on, Ja Morant of the Memphis Grizzlies is available, and if the Timberwolves add his services this summer, the 26-year-old playing next to Edwards could make for one of the most electric, high-flying backcourts in the league.
GettyMEMPHIS, TENNESSEE – APRIL 10: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves handles the ball against Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies during the second half at FedExForum on April 10, 2025 in Memphis, Tennessee.
Morant trade rumors have been evident over the past few months, as while he stayed in Memphis past the trade deadline, there is an expectation he’ll be dealt relatively soon, likely near the 2026 NBA Draft.
With that, the Timberwolves have been one of a few teams mentioned as interested in the controversial point guard, and in a new trade idea from Bleacher Report, they add the two-time All-Star to pair with Edwards for next year.
Timberwolves Acquire: Ja Morant
Grizzlies Acquire: Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo
“Alternate versions of this deal exist where the Wolves give up more usable pieces in place of DiVincenzo, with Joan Beringer and Terrence Shannon Jr. heading to Memphis,” Grant Hughes wrote on this Timberwolves’ trade idea, before then bringing up some reasons why a package like this might be an overpay.
“Taking on Morant is scary enough for a squad that should be pretty risk-averse because it has a lot to lose, and sending out multiple rotation pieces (some with real upside) just seems too dangerous.”
Regardless, Morant’s tenure in Memphis feels all but over. But from a Timberwolves perspective, he is in the middle of a five-year, $197 million contract extension he signed with the team a few seasons ago, and Minnesota adding that contract to an already-high payroll, which includes Edwards’ five-year, $244 million deal, things will get expensive, fast.
Still, as Hughes wrote, adding Morant could bring in a much-needed skillset while offering a breath of fresh air in terms of a revamped roster.
“In theory, Morant could do what Randle couldn’t. His playmaking and ability to bend defenses with downhill attacks or pick-and-rolls could add new dimensions to the Wolves’ offense and ease the pressure on Edwards,” he added.
DiVincenzo is expected to be out for all of next season, and it looks like Randle’s time with the Timberwolves has run its course. It wouldn’t be easy to give up both for a controversial and inconsistent player like Morant, so there are a few other players they could use in a deal if Minnesota really wants to trade for a new playmaker.
GettyMEMPHIS, TENNESSEE – FEBRUARY 10: Anthony Edwards #1 of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies look on during the second half at FedExForum on February 10, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee.
According to Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic, the Timberwolves are poised for wholesale changes this summer. Durant and Antetokounmpo are two names that have been mentioned in trade rumors, but a player of Morant’s caliber, hovering on All-Star quality when healthy and a solid second option, is probably a bit more likely to be a trade target.
While it remains to be seen if Minnesota will make a blockbuster trade, as Krawczynski reported after their season ended, it can’t be ruled out.
“Nearly every big name that has come available over the last few years, from Durant to Antetokounmpo to Ja Morant and James Harden, has at least been discussed internally. That will only shift into overdrive now,” he wrote.
The Minnesota Timberwolves are monitoring Ja Morant’s situation in Memphis, per @sam_amick
“The Minnesota Timberwolves, per a team source, are one. Ditto for the Sacramento Kings. The Grizzlies’ next opponent, the Houston Rockets, need a point guard after losing Fred Van Vleet
That’s why, if the Timberwolves are keen on upgrading, or at least revamping the roster for a player like Morant, they have options on the table.
Randle is the player most likely to be included in a trade based on his contract, but according to another Bleacher Report article, McDaniels could be an under-the-radar player on the move that could be used in the framework of a Morant trade, due to his high value and the Timberwolves’ lack of movable draft picks.
“The one real wrinkle is Jaden McDaniels, a 25-year-old all-purpose defender showing, in essence, perpetual growth on the offensive end,” Zach Buckley wrote. “The Wolves would prefer not to lose him, but if they’re serious about getting Edwards more help, they may not have another option. Getting a needle-mover requires giving up something good, and as far as the Timberwolves’ trade chips, McDaniels is clearly as good as it gets.”
Whether it’s DiVincenzo, Randle, McDaniels, or Gobert in a trade for Morant or someone else, the Timberwolves have assets that teams around the NBA would be interested in taking back.
It remains to be seen if they’ll hit on the big swings for a player like Durant or Antetokounmpo, but it’s clear that the Grizzlies and Morant are ready to part ways. With that, Minnesota should be a team to keep an eye on, as after another disappointing playoff exit, they look set on making changes through a big-time trade this offseason.
Eli Gregorski is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy Sports. He has years of sports writing experience covering the NBA, NFL, college football and basketball, international soccer, and Formula One. He graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder, where he was the assistant sports editor for the award-winning CU Independent student publication. More about Eli Gregorski
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