2012 NBA Trade Deadline: 5 Players the Minnesota Timberwolves Should Target

Despite the Timberwolves’ losing record at 9-11, the vibe in the Twin Cities has been nothing near disappointing. 

Led by their All-Star Kevin Love and their rookie sensation Ricky Rubio, the Timberwolves have given fans and the rest of the league reason to believe they are playoff bound this season. 

But before jumping the gun, there are still plenty of concerns in various areas of this young Minnesota roster that need to be addressed before achieving such a lofty goal. 

Pairing a suitable two-guard next to Rubio in the backcourt, finding a perimeter defender to slow down opposing team’s wing scorers and finding help for Love in the paint are just a few issues that need to be addressed as soon as possible. 

The good news for Wolves’ fans is that there are opportunities to address some of these through trade without dealing one of the key players from the team. 

Not even halfway through this short season, there are already plenty of players on the trading block that may interest general manager David Kahn and the Wolves in their quest for a trip to the playoffs this season.  

Here are some players who have been rumored to be shopped around the league and may fit into Minnesota's big picture.

Devin Harris

Despite the Jazz’s hot start to the season at 11-7, much of their success cannot be contributed to their starting point guard Harris. 

A once key piece in deals for All-Star caliber players such as Jason Kidd and Deron Williams, Harris has never truly lived up to his potential in the league. 

As a starter, Harris is averaging career lows this season in points (9.2) and minutes (25.9) for the Jazz.  All that being said, Harris could prove to be an interesting acquisition for the Wolves. 

Despite his recent inefficiencies as a scorer, Harris has proven to be an above-average perimeter defender because of his quickness, athleticism and intelligence. His 6’3” stature to go along with his ability to get to the rim and create his own shot allows him to play both guard spots. 

Pairing Harris and Rubio in the same backcourt could be a very dynamic duo both in transition and in the half court. 

Because of Harris’s recent woes with the Jazz, a deal of Luke Ridnour, Martell Webster, Anthony Tolliver and Malcolm Lee for Harris and veteran Raja Bell may be enough to get a deal done. 

O.J. Mayo

With extensions to Mike Conley, Rudy Gay, Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph over the past few seasons, Mayo is unlikely to resign with the Grizzlies this offseason. 

With that being said, the playoff bound Grizzlies may look to move Mayo in an attempt to restock their already weak bench for another run deep into the playoffs. 

Mayo fits Minnesota’s need at shooting guard perfectly.  At 6’5”, Mayo’s ability to knock down open shots and create his own scoring opportunities makes him a great compliment to Rubio. 

In addition, the Wolves would have enough cap flexibility to resign Mayo to a long-term deal—if he’s willing take a deal around $32 million for four years. 

With Memphis’s lack of depth at point guard and in the frontcourt (until Randolph’s return), a deal of Mayo and Quincy Pondexter for Luke Ridnour and Anthony Randolph could be a good starting point for a deal. 

Chris Kaman

With all the rumors swirling in New Orleans about where Kaman will land, Minnesota could be a perfect fit for the former All-Star center. 

With the Timberwolves’ center position currently being occupied by Darko Milicic, Nikola Pekovic and Brad Miller, Kaman would prove to be an obvious upgrade. 

At 7’1”, Kaman’s ability to score on the low block with his size and strength opens up more space for Kevin Love and his improved jump shot and three-point shooting range. 

Like Mayo, Kaman will also be playing for a new contract for next season and may be worth the Timberwolves’ time and money to resign him if he and Love exhibit chemistry with one another.

Minnesota could offer a package centered around Luke Ridnour along with Martell Webster and center Nikola Pekovic for Kaman that may help fill some roster holes in New Orleans’ rotation. 

Ben Gordon

By drafting rookie point guard Brandon Knight and resigning combo guard Rodney Stuckey this offseason, the Pistons are ready and willing to move the overpaid reserve Gordon. 

Minnesota has both the cap flexibility and the need for a player like Gordon.  Gordon’s greatest asset could be his ability to be an effective scorer without having the ball in his hands. 

Similar to the role he played in Chicago when paired with Derrick Rose, Gordon would be asked to come off screens and knock down open jump shots while allowing the offense to run through Rubio. 

Gordon could have great success in a Rick Adelman offense that has proved well for shooters such as Peja Stojakovic and Kevin Martin in the past.  Detroit will most likely be interested in acquiring some frontcourt help and some future salary cap relief. 

Dealing Ben Gordon and Austin Daye for Martell Webster, Nikola Pekovic and Anthony Randolph addresses both.

Andre Iguodala

Iguodala’s name in Minnesota has been linked to trade rumors for the past few years.  With the current make up of the Wolves’ roster, it makes more sense now than ever for Kahn to swing a deal for the high flying Iguodala. 

Minnesota has a glaring need at shooting guard and perimeter defense.  Iguodala solves both problems.  His ability to play the two opens up more time and opportunities to play together with rookie Derrick Williams at the three. 

With those two on the wings, Love in the paint, and Rubio running the point, it makes for a very energetic and exciting style of play that has the versatility and athleticism to play in coach Adelman’s different schemes on both ends of the floor. 

The only difficult part would be prying away Iguodala, who has already helped the red-hot Sixers win 14 out of 20 games this season. 

Sending scorer Michael Beasley with second-year players Wes Johnson and Nikola Pekovic in exchange for Iguodala, Craig Brackins and LaVoy Allen may be enticing enough for the Sixers to bite, but still remains as wishful thinking.