Northwest Division Roundup: McDaniels Shines, Thunder Explore Depth, Jazz Stay the Course, Conley Looks Ahead
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MINNEAPOLIS — Jaden McDaniels reminded the Timberwolves why he is considered a core piece in Thursday night’s victory over Oklahoma City, even as his name surfaces in trade chatter linked to Minnesota’s pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The sixth-year forward is producing career bests across the board: 14.9 points, 2.9 assists, 44.5% from three, 2.5 free-throw attempts and an 84.9% clip at the line. After appearing in all 82 games last season, he has missed only two contests this year and has played fewer than 70 games just once since entering the league.
McDaniels’ value is not lost on his teammates. “He’s my favorite player in the league,” star guard Anthony Edwards said. Head coach Chris Finch added, “He’s an incredible worker — like a machine every day.” Any Antetokounmpo package would almost certainly have to include McDaniels, but if no deal materializes, Minnesota believes it already has the versatile wing it needs.
Thunder expected to seek frontcourt insurance
OKLAHOMA CITY — League sources indicate the Thunder are unlikely to pursue a blockbuster at the deadline. Second-year wing Ousmane Dieng is considered the roster’s most movable piece, but the priority appears to be inexpensive frontcourt depth, especially with Isaiah Hartenstein in and out of the lineup.
Potential targets identified by Sports Illustrated include veterans Kevin Love (Jazz), Nick Richards (Suns), Bobby Portis (Bucks) and Jock Landale (Grizzlies), all of whom could be attainable for Dieng and second-round picks. Oklahoma City also has interest in Nets center Day’Ron Sharpe, whose contract would fit into the non-taxpayer mid-level exception, while Pelicans sharpshooter Trey Murphy III is viewed as a higher-cost, but stylistically ideal, option.
Jazz leaning toward continuity
SALT LAKE CITY — The Jazz do not plan a major roster shake-up unless presented with an overwhelming offer, according to the Salt Lake City Tribune. That stance keeps All-Star forward Lauri Markkanen firmly in Utah’s long-term plans.
Center Jusuf Nurkic, once considered a trade candidate, has strengthened his standing by averaging 11.2 points — his highest mark since 2022-23 — and a career-high 5.0 assists within head coach Will Hardy’s system. While Kevin Love and Kyle Anderson could be moved after inconsistent minutes, Utah is also open to absorbing unwanted salaries for additional draft capital. Mavericks guard D’Angelo Russell and Lakers forward Maxi Kleber are among the contracts the club could take on in exchange for picks.
Conley unsure how long he’ll play
MINNEAPOLIS — Timberwolves point guard Mike Conley, 36, told reporters he hopes to continue his career beyond this season but cannot guarantee it. “Every game I play from here on out I think about, is this my last game?” Conley said. “I know I want to play more years, but you just never know how things work. I’m just gonna go out there and have fun and not take things for granted.”
The veteran floor general remains a key piece for Minnesota as the franchise balances immediate contention with potential roster moves ahead of the deadline.
Source: Hoops Rumors
