Shortly after ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the Minnesota Timberwolves traded Julius Randle to the Brooklyn Nets, the Ja Morant rumors intensified. Several reports since the deadline have indicated that Minnesota was interested in acquiring the disgruntled Memphis Grizzlies star.
With Minnesota opening a trade exception north of $33 million following the Randle trade, the speculation around Morant made sense. However, Timberwolves reporter Jon Krawczynski has shot down the rumors around Morant.
“The Wolves have not been in the Ja Morant mix,” he wrote on X. “Decision was made to look elsewhere for backcourt help.”
The Timberwolves have been linked to Kyrie Irving and Derrick White. The latter even fits the trade exception amount. Several other guards earn in that range, so the Timberwolves will have options to choose from.
For now, Ja Morant isn’t one of them. It makes sense, too. Morant has been underwhelming since leading the Grizzlies to the conference semis in 2022. His injuries, suspensions and dip in form have been glaring issues that could prevent several teams from pursuing the former All-Star.
Timberwolves waste no time in locking Ayo Dosummu to a $112 million deal after Julius Randle Trade: Report
The Timberwolves didn’t waste any time in cracking a deal with Ayo Dosunmu after trading Julius Randle. According to insider Shams Charania, the Timberwolves offered Dosunmu a five-year $112 million contract, including a player option in the final season.
“Free agent guard Ayo Dosunmu intends to sign a five-year, $112 million contract to return to the Minnesota Timberwolves, with a player option in the fifth season, sources tell ESPN. Timberwolves made it a major priority to lock in Dosunmu after his tremendous postseason.”
While the Timberwolves kept one eye on trades, re-signing Dosunmu was one of their priorities. The point guard had an explosive run in the playoffs before his calf injury in the first round. He averaged 21.8 points and 4.0 assists, shooting 60.9% from the field and 54.5% from three-point range against the Nuggets.
He was the biggest reason why the Timberwolves beat the Nuggets, despite multiple other injuries.
Read more:
- Celtics Make “Official” Decision On Jaylen Brown As Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Rumors Pick Up Steam
- Lakers Reportedly Engaging in Giannis Trade Framework for 7-Foot Big Man
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