The Minnesota Timberwolves kicked off their 2024-25 season with a tough loss against the Los Angeles Lakers. With Julius Randle making his regular-season debut after the blockbuster trade that sent Karl-Anthony Towns to the Knicks, the Wolves are in a phase of adjustment.
Randle’s arrival adds strength, but his fit with the current roster, particularly alongside Rudy Gobert and Anthony Edwards, has raised some early concerns about spacing on the floor. As the Timberwolves try to capitalize on their defense, they may need to tweak their offensive strategy to better complement Randle’s isolation-heavy style.
Last game, Randle was on fire in the Timberwolves’ win against the Kings, scoring 33 points on 5-for-6 from three-point range. Although that’s a great sign for the Wolves, it may not be sustainable during a full season. As Randle shot 31% from three last year, the Wolves could use another floor spacer on the frontcourt.
A Backup Bet On Kevin Love
Timberwolves receive: Kevin Love
Heat receive: Nickeil Alexander-Walker
The Minnesota Timberwolves, looking for cost-effective ways to improve their floor spacing, could make a solid backup bet by trading for Miami’s veteran big man, Kevin Love. Love, at 36 years old, is certainly past his All-Star prime, but he remains a valuable stretch option that could help balance out the Timberwolves’ interior-heavy roster, especially after acquiring Julius Randle.
In the 2023-24 season, Love averaged 8.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.5 three-pointers per game on 44% shooting from the field and 34.4% from three, while playing limited minutes off the bench for the Miami Heat. Though his minutes were the lowest of his career at just under 17 per game, Love’s ability to stretch the floor as a reliable three-point shooter and a secondary playmaker is still intact. With Minnesota’s frontcourt featuring Randle and Gobert, adding Love would bring a veteran with a championship pedigree and the ability to provide spacing when opponents pack the paint.
From the Heat’s perspective, trading Love for Nickeil Alexander-Walker offers them a younger, versatile guard with upside. Alexander-Walker, a capable scorer and defender, could thrive in Miami’s system, especially under Erik Spoelstra’s player development focus. His shooting and playmaking can make him a valuable asset, particularly off the bench, for a team always seeking to stay competitive in the East.
For Minnesota, adding Love as a stretch four/five would open up more space for Anthony Edwards and Randle to operate, while also giving them more flexibility when they run small-ball lineups. Plus, with Love’s contract set at $4 million for the season, this move wouldn’t hinder the Timberwolves financially, as they are currently over the second apron and can’t add salaries in a trade.
Though this isn’t a blockbuster trade, it’s a low-risk move that could bring some veteran stability and shooting to a Timberwolves team looking to fine-tune its spacing for a deeper playoff push.
Taurean Prince Could Be Welcomed Back
Timberwolves receive: Taurean Prince
Bucks receive: P.J. Dozier
For the Timberwolves, swapping P.J. Dozier for Taurean Prince would add a proven 3-and-D wing to their rotation. Prince, currently with the Bucks, brings experience as a solid perimeter defender and reliable floor spacer. Last season, Prince averaged 8.9 points, 2.9 rebounds, and shot 39.6% from three while playing meaningful minutes for the Lakers.
Minnesota needs more consistent three-point shooting to space the floor for stars like Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle. Prince’s ability to hit from beyond the arc and defend multiple positions makes him an ideal fit for a team looking to improve their wing depth. His veteran presence would be especially valuable for a Wolves squad eyeing a deeper playoff run.
In exchange, the Bucks would get P.J. Dozier, a versatile defender capable of covering both guard spots. Dozier’s defensive upside fits Milwaukee’s emphasis on defensive versatility, and he could provide valuable depth behind their offensive backcourt of Damian Lillard and Khris Middleton. Given Milwaukee’s lack of depth, Dozier would have a chance to carve out a role as a defensive stopper off the bench.
This move would give both teams what they need—Minnesota boosts their spacing and wing defense, while Milwaukee adds a promising defender with upside.
Santi Aldama Could Be The Perfect Fit
Timberwolves receive: Santi Aldama
Grizzlies receive: Nickeil Alexander-Walker, 2025 second-round pick
Santi Aldama quietly had a breakout 2023-24 season, where he showcased his value as a versatile, modern big man. The 6’11” forward-center averaged 10.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, and shot 35.5% from three across 61 games, making him a legitimate stretch big who can thrive in today’s NBA. Aldama’s ability to stretch the floor would complement Minnesota’s lineup, especially alongside the likes of Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle, who are more paint-bound players.
Adding a stretch four like Aldama would immediately improve the Timberwolves’ spacing, giving Anthony Edwards more room to operate on drives and helping to unclog the paint when Gobert and Randle are on the floor together. Aldama is also more than just a shooter—he brings defensive versatility, rim protection, and the ability to switch onto smaller players, making him a well-rounded asset.
From Memphis’ perspective, gaining Nickeil Alexander-Walker offers them a young, capable guard who can defend well and provide additional scoring and playmaking off the bench. Alexander-Walker has shown flashes of being a reliable two-way player, and Memphis could use that depth in their backcourt, especially given the uncertainty surrounding injuries. The addition of a second-round pick sweetens the deal, giving the Grizzlies an extra asset for future moves.
For Minnesota, this trade is about future-proofing their lineup. Aldama is just 23 years old and still developing, but his skill set fits perfectly with what the Timberwolves need—a versatile, skilled big man who can stretch the floor and defend multiple positions. In a league where versatility is increasingly valuable, Aldama’s upside could be a major boost for the Timberwolves’ long-term plans.
With Aldama on board, Minnesota can space the floor better, open up the offense for Edwards and Randle, and maintain a strong defensive presence in the frontcourt. This move would help solidify their position as a competitive team in the Western Conference and provide valuable depth and flexibility for the future.
