Timberwolves Trade Rumors Tracker: Latest Updates Ahead of NBA Trade Deadline

David Kahn usually has fans of the Minnesota Timberwolves sitting on the edge of their seats around the trade deadline. This season is no different.

With his team playing much better than most anyone thought, there is trade speculation swirling around some players not named either Ricky Rubio or Kevin Love.

It would be a major surprise to see the Timberwolves change the entire complexion of the roster, but a minor deal or two might make some sense to create better balance.

Lakers Turned Down Michael Beasley Proposal

Talk connecting Michael Beasley and the Los Angeles Lakers had begun to heat up in recent days, but L.A. doesn't seem interested in pursuing the deal at this time.

Minnesota reportedly offered to send Beasley to the Lakers in exchange for a first-round pick, but the Lakers were uninterested because the team didn't want to absorb more salary without sending any back the other way.

The Lakers have two first-round picks in 2012, as well as the trade exception from the Lamar Odom deal to dangle, but for now Beasley remains in Minnesota.

Michael Beasley Linked to Celtics, Nets

The Boston Celtics could use some scoring help behind Paul Pierce in the second unit.

Similarly, the New Jersey Nets might be looking to fill a hole at the small forward position, which has been decimated by injuries this season.

Both teams have been linked to Beasley of late, and it's obvious that Minnesota is attempting to ship the 22-year-old out for future assets in return.

Any team that acquires him would be able to keep him long-term, as he'll be a restricted free agent at the end of the year.

Derrick Williams Being Used as Trade Bait?

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Derrick Williams has struggled to find consistent minutes for the Timberwolves during his rookie season.

Would the No. two overall pick have a more fruitful future elsewhere?

There is a belief that the T-Wolves would be willing to include him in a package to Los Angeles if it brought back Pau Gasol, but the two teams haven't discussed a deal centered around Gasol in quite some time.

Williams is an incredible athlete who has a versatile skill set, but it doesn't sound like he'll be heading anywhere at this time.

No Big Deals Expected to Be Made by Minnesota

David Kahn called Minnesota's chances of doing something big at the trade deadline "minuscule."

That would seem to indicate that the Timberwolves are pretty happy with their current core of players, but Kahn was careful not to rule anything out.

With a hole at shooting guard and some depth concerns, Minnesota will be in the market to make a minor move or two with the hopes of pushing for a postseason berth.