The Minnesota Timberwolves made a bold move by trading for LaMelo Ball. The deal gave Anthony Edwards another star teammate and improved the backcourt. It also created a major problem at the forward. With training camp getting closer, Minnesota has little time left to strengthen one of the weakest spots on its roster.
LaMelo Ball Trade Leaves Timberwolves Needing One More Move
LaMelo Ball Trade Changed Roster
The Ball trade raised expectations for next season. Minnesota now has another proven ball handler besides Edwards, giving the offense more balance and reducing the pressure on Edwards during long stretches.
That improvement came with a cost. The trade left the Timberwolves very thin at forward. Jaden McDaniels and Trey Lyles are the only experienced options currently expected to handle regular rotation minutes.
That is a risky position for a team chasing a championship. Injuries, foul trouble, or poor form could quickly expose the lack of reliable depth over an 82-game season.
Waiting Carries Serious Risk
Some teams prefer making roster changes near the trade deadline. Minnesota may not have that luxury because the Western Conference has become even stronger entering the new season.
A slow start can create problems that last all year. Falling behind in the standings could force the Timberwolves into difficult situations before the trade market even develops.
The front office also cannot assume the right player will become available later. Teams with playoff hopes often keep valuable rotation players rather than trade them during the season.
Timberwolves Need Proven Help
Minnesota does not simply need another body at forward. The roster needs someone trusted to play meaningful minutes every night against quality opponents.
McDaniels can play power forward when needed. Still, asking him to carry that responsibility without another proven partner would place too much pressure on the rotation.
The Timberwolves already have enough talent in the backcourt and at center. Strengthening the forward group would give the lineup much better balance across both ends of the floor, especially after building a great defense without a fully complete offense.
Second Apron Limits Options
The team’s financial situation makes this challenge even harder. Minnesota is expected to operate above the NBA’s second apron after completing several major roster moves.
Those restrictions remove many paths used by other contenders. Expensive free agents are no longer realistic targets because the collective bargaining agreement limits roster flexibility for second apron teams.
That leaves trades as the clearest solution. Any move, however, must comply with the salary rules under the current agreement.
Josh Green Holds Trade Value
Josh Green could become Minnesota’s best trade chip. His expiring $14.6 million contract allows the front office to make a simple salary match without creating additional financial complications.
One possible target is Jarred Vanderbilt. His salary fits within the rules, while his defense, rebounding, and energy would fill several of Minnesota’s current roster weaknesses.
A move like that would immediately improve the rotation. It would also allow Chris Finch to distribute minutes more evenly throughout the regular season rather than relying too heavily on the same players.
Tim Connelly Faces Important Days
Timing could prove just as important as the player Minnesota targets. NBA trade rules limit when recently acquired players can be moved again, making this the biggest summer ever more important for the franchise.
The LeBron James rumors continue to attract attention. Recent reports from ESPN’s Shams Charania and The Stein Line, however, suggest Eastern Conference teams remain stronger favorites than Minnesota.
“From a basketball perspective, I know that Minnesota has definitely been high on Lebron James list”
via @ShamsCharania pic.twitter.com/5YUFxMXD8c
— The Daily Wolves (@TheDailyWolves) July 8, 2026
That makes planning even more important. If James never reaches Minnesota, the Timberwolves still must solve their biggest roster weakness before opening night. Executive Tim Connelly has never been afraid to make aggressive moves. The next few weeks may determine whether this roster enters the season ready to compete for an NBA championship.
Photo credit: Mike Watters, Imagn Images via Reuters Connect
