Timberwolves Shift Focus Away From Ja Morant, Explore Other Guard Options
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The Minnesota Timberwolves are no longer pursuing Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant and have turned their attention to other backcourt possibilities, according to Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic.
Krawczynski reports that moving Julius Randle’s contract—Randle is expected to be traded to the Brooklyn Nets—removed Minnesota’s most straightforward salary-matching chip for a potential Morant deal. The 26-year-old guard is owed $42.2 million in 2026/27 and $44.9 million in 2027/28.
Although the New Orleans Pelicans and Sacramento Kings are viewed as the primary suitors for Morant, Minnesota had been mentioned as a possible bidder last week. Morant appeared in only 20 games last season because of ankle, calf and elbow injuries and has played just 59 total contests over the past two years, raising concerns about his availability.
With Morant off the table, the Timberwolves have been active on multiple fronts. The club previously checked in on Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving before shifting focus to Trey Murphy III (New Orleans), Josh Giddey (Chicago Bulls) and Derrick White (Boston Celtics). According to Krawczynski, Minnesota has pushed hardest for White, but Boston has declined those overtures. Chicago has not indicated whether it is open to moving Giddey for a package the Timberwolves can offer.
Krawczynski adds that while Murphy is primarily a wing, Minnesota continues to seek high-level talent. He also suggests the Wolves could target Memphis guard Scotty Pippen Jr., though it is unclear whether any formal inquiry has been made.
On the draft front, Minnesota recently hosted Alabama guard Labaron Philon, a projected first-round pick who impressed team officials during his workout. It is uncommon for a player expected to be selected earlier to work out for a team holding a later pick, fueling speculation that the Timberwolves might attempt to move up in the draft. However, the club actually moved down from No. 28 to No. 33 as part of the pending Randle trade.
Source: Hoops Rumors
