3. Minnesota Timberwolves
Minnesota filled its biggest need, which was depth in the backcourt, with the acquisition of defense-first combo guard Ayo Dosunmu. All it took was a couple of struggling youngsters, Rob Dillingaham and Leonard Miller, along with four second-round draft picks. They also shed some luxury tax by trading Mike Conley for nothing. And Conley, who Charlotte waived, is returning to the Wolves, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported earlier today.
“Free agent guard Mike Conley Jr. plans to return to the Minnesota Timberwolves, sources told ESPN’s Shams Charania.”
Dosunmu is having a career season, averaging 15.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 3.6 assists while shooting 51.4% from the field and 45.1% from deep. Dosunmu is a switchable two-way guard who is at his best when he gets downhill. He projects to be the first guard off the bench for the Wolves and a perfect fit alongside Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels.
Conley is in the midst of a career-worst season. Still, he is a capable backup who will now drop to fourth on the depth chart.
Julian Phillips, whom the Wolves also acquired at the trade deadline, won’t see a ton of action with the Wolves. He is likely an end-of-the-second-unit type player.
Minnesota (32-20) sits in sixth place in the Western Conference. While the Timberwolves have won five of their last six, they have won just 5-6 over their last 10. Neither Dosunmu nor Phillips will play tonight against New Orleans, though they are expected to be available when the Wolves host the LA Clippers on Sunday.
