Report: Timberwolves considering 3 point guards ahead of trade deadline
The NBA trade deadline is just six days away and the first place Wolves are active in the backup point guard market according to Yahoo Sports' Jake Fischer.
Fischer wrote about the overall trade market Friday and noted the Wolves are looking for a backup to Mike Conley.
Conley has played in all but five games for the 34-14 Wolves this season, leading the team in assists with 6.3 per game. The veteran has proven incredibly valuable, especially down the stretch, but if the Wolves are going to go deep in the playoffs they will need improved point guard depth to give the 36-year-old breaks and to prevent offensive drop off without him. Conley leads the team with 3.0 offensive win shares.
Fischer wrote that Minnesota remain "active in the reserve point guard market, according to league sources" and could be a landing spot for one of Tyus Jones, Monte Morris and Bones Hyland.
Jan 29, 2024; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Washington Wizards guard Tyus Jones (5) dribbles past San Antonio Spurs guard Tre Jones (33) in the second half at Frost Bank Center.
© Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports
At 9-38 Washington are one of the worst teams in the league and Jones is seen as one of the few valuable pieces the Wizards have. Fischer notes that Washington has stated the asking price for Jones is a first-round pick but "rival executives have indicated a confidence that Washington will ultimately be willing to move on from Jones for a package of multiple second-round picks."
Jones is averaging 12.3 points per game and 6.3 assists per game for Washington. The Apple Valley native was drafted by the Cavs but was traded to Minnesota on draft night. Jones played four season for his hometown Wolves, starting 34 of 247 games averaging 5.1 points and 3.3 assists per game.
"Sources said Minnesota is also considering two additions at the position who overlapped with team president Tim Connelly in Denver: Monte Morris and Bones Hyland," continued Fischer.
Morris recently made his season debut for the Detroit Pistons after dealing with a lower back strain which was followed by a right quad strain. The 28-year-old point guard has averaged 10.4 points and 4.0 assists per game in his seven year career. Detroit, like Washington, are floundering at the bottom of the league with a 6-41 record and will be looking to trade away veteran talent for draft picks.
Hyland has been stuck deep on the bench for the red hot Clippers this season, appearing in only 19 games. While Los Angeles may be shopping Hyland it may be a tricky trade for the Wolves to pull off considering they're in contention with the Clippers for the top of the West, Minnesota are two games up on the Clippers.
Timberwolves president of basketball operation Tim Connelly drafted both Morris and Hyland during his time in Denver.
