Searching for Stability: The Timberwolves’ Point Guard Dilemma

As the trade deadline inches closer and closer, the question of whether the wolves will assess the point guard situation appears.

What The Wolves Have Worked With:

Minnesota hasn’t necessarily had one set point guard to rely on this season. While the veteran leader Mike Conley has gotten the most minutes at the position, Donte DiVincenzo has shown promise, and gotten most of the starts so far at the halfway point.

The problem with DiVincenzo is that being a starting point guard has never really been his natural role in this league. He’s always been a guy to rely on off the bench. Donte is more of a primary combo guard. Which means he’s more of a secondary ball handler. When Donte is asked to be the full time guard and bring up the ball and run the offense, it limits what the things he does best. Such as Catch-and-Shoot Three’s, making good cuts, etc... When he’s the set guard he’s on the ball constantly which limits some of those off ball strengths.

Mike Conley’s situation on the other hand has to do with where he’s at in his career right now. He’s currently 37, the 6th oldest player in the NBA currently. Minnesota doesn’t want to rely on him to play heavy minutes, especially at this point in the season this far out from the playoffs. The other concern is that Conley hasn’t been playing as well as he has in past seasons. He’s only shooting 36% from behind the arc right now, which has been his strong suit in previous seasons. He also lacksthe defensive effort as well. When the Wolves use Conley, they use him as a stabilizer. Someone who can settle down the offense and not turn over the ball.

And you can’t forget about the young, shifty 20 year old guard Rob Dillingham. Who the Wolves traded up in the 2024 draft to select. Coach Finch has said previously that Dillingham is going to have to “earn his minutes” rather than them being given to him. Unless Dillingham can consistently play at a high level, it’ll be hard for him to earn a consistent role in Minnesota's contending rotation. Part of it has to do with his youth and inexperience. Minnesota needs a reliable guard who won’t turn the ball over and play with the pace that coach Finch wants. If your coach Finch, you’re going to give the Minutes to Conley or who’s been in the league for 18 years now and doesn’t turn the ball over much, or DiVincenzo who’s shown this season that he’s somewhat comfortable starting games for Minnesota.

But due to Conley’s age, DiVincenzo’s primary 6th man role, and Dillingham’s lack of development, the Wolves are actively looking for a guard who can fill the position.

Potential Targets Around The League:

Coby White was the name brought up this week. "A Wolves source confirmed that there is legitimate interest in White, but the 25-year-old’s looming free agency appears to be a significant hindrance to a possible trade," according to Sam Amick of The Athletic. The only problem about acquiring Coby White is that he’s expected to seek a huge raise this offseason, and Minnesota doesn’t currently have the money for that. So it doesn’t seem legitimate to break up potential long term players like Terrence Shannon Jr, Rob Dillingham, etc... just for half a season of Coby White.

Chris Paul was recently waived by the Los Angeles Clippers in what was supposed to be his homecoming tour for his final season. The Wolves have inquired about him this week. But if Minnesota were to sign CP3, they would be in a similar boat to where they are right now with Mike Conley.

Bigger name players like Ja Morant, Kyrie Irving, Trae Young, and Dejonte Murray have also been in trade talks around the league, but Minnesota doesn’t seem like a realistic landing spot for any of these stars due to long term contracts and money management.

What To Expect:

The Wolves need a guard who isn’t too old, but still has experience and can run the offense confidently and efficiently. They also need someone who isn’t too expensive and more affordable for the short term.

While the trade deadline is still a couple months away, I would still expect the Timberwolves to acquire a guard before then. Minnesota is looking for another deep playoff run this season, and in order for that to happen they need to win games consistently starting now.

If you're interested in being notified when the next article comes out, be sure to scroll down to the "Free Subscription" form and subscribe, I hope you enjoyed!