The Minnesota Timberwolves are teetering on the brink of mediocrity, but a bold trade could inject new life into their playoff hopes. With a 108-106 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies dropping them to just one game above .500, the Timberwolves currently sit as the No. 9 seed in the Western Conference—a far cry from their 56-26 record last season.
As Minnesota looks to reclaim its status as a contender, a new target has emerged on their radar: Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton. The 26-year-old, a dynamic scorer and playmaker, could be the missing piece to help the Timberwolves climb the standings.
Sexton’s fit in Minnesota
Sexton is averaging 18.3 points and 3.9 assists per game this season and remains Utah’s second-leading scorer. Known for his toughness and relentless scoring ability, he shares many qualities with Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards. Pairing the two Georgia natives could create a formidable backcourt duo capable of igniting Minnesota’s offense.
While Sexton is under contract for $18.4 million this season, with $52.5 million remaining through 2026, acquiring him won’t be straightforward. The Timberwolves, operating as a second-apron team under the NBA’s new CBA rules, would need to navigate significant financial hurdles to make the deal happen. Potential trade pieces like veteran point guard Mike Conley or the injured Donte DiVincenzo might be included to balance salaries, or a third team could be brought into the negotiations.
Why the Timberwolves need Sexton
The Timberwolves’ offseason shake-up, which saw Karl-Anthony Towns traded for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo, hasn’t yielded immediate results. With Conley aging and DiVincenzo sidelined by a toe injury, Minnesota’s depth at guard has become a pressing concern. Sexton’s energy and scoring punch could fill that void while complementing Edwards’ explosive playstyle.
Beyond his individual talent, Sexton’s arrival could provide the spark Minnesota desperately needs to rise above the Play-In Tournament range. His combination of grit, speed, and offensive versatility makes him an attractive target for a team striving to capitalize on its core of Edwards, Randle, and Rudy Gobert.
The Jazz’s perspective
For the Utah Jazz, Sexton’s name frequently surfaces in trade rumors despite his solid production. As part of the blockbuster trade that sent Donovan Mitchell to Cleveland, Sexton has been a steady contributor for Utah, but the team’s long-term vision may not align with his timeline. Moving him could open opportunities for younger players while adding assets for the Jazz’s ongoing rebuild.
What’s next for Minnesota?
While acquiring Sexton would require careful maneuvering, the Timberwolves can’t afford to sit idly by. Their lackluster start to the season has put pressure on the front office to make a move that energizes the team and restores confidence in their playoff potential.
With Sexton in the mix, Minnesota could transform into a more dynamic, well-rounded squad poised to climb the Western Conference standings. Whether they pull the trigger remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the Timberwolves need a spark, and Sexton might just be the player to deliver it.
