NBA Rumors: 3 players that could join the Minnesota Timberwolves this summer

The Minnesota Timberwolves entered the 18/19 season with the belief that they could qualify for the postseason for a second consecutive season.

However, the front office failed to make any major moves during the 2018 offseason, and the decision to trade Jimmy Butler all-but ended the Timberwolves' chances of competing in a stacked Western Conference.

Nevertheless, the Timberwolves still believe that they can build a competitive team around Karl Anthony Towns, and roster additions are likely this summer.

The offseason is still weeks away, although the team has already been linked with a number of names, and here are three players that could head to Minnesota.

#3 Mike Conley

Mike Conley is expected to exit the Grizzlies this summer

Derrick Rose and Jeff Teague could both leave the Timberwolves this summer, and the team is likely to be in the market for a replacement point guard. Minnesota won't be among the contenders to sign the top free agents, although Chris Herrington of the Daily Memphian believes the team has the resources to complete a trade for Mike Conley:

There’s been some minor reporting about Wolves interest in Conley, but it’s hard to see a deal that doesn’t involve the Grizzlies taking back one of the worst contracts in the league.

One obvious deal would be flipping Conley for former top pick Andrew Wiggins, whose deal is about $5 million less than Conley over each of the next two seasons but which then continues for $31.6 million in 2021-2022 and $33.6 million in 2022-2023. If you want to talk yourself into Wiggins, you’d say he’s a still-young (24) talent at a premium position (wing) who would benefit from a change of scenery. And while his contract is large, it would match up with the rookie deal of presumed top pick Morant, making it a pretty manageable one

Conley has spent his entire career with the Grizzlies, although he is expected to be replaced by Ja Morant for the 19-20 season.

#2 D'Angelo Russell

D'Angelo Russell was named as an All-Star for the first time during the 18-19 season

D'Angelo Russell will become a restricted free agent later this summer, and multiple reports have backed Kyrie Irving to replace him as the Brooklyn Nets' starting point guard. This puts Russell's future with the Nets in serious doubt, and The Athletic is reporting that the Timberwolves are one of a number of teams showing interest in the All-Star:

A market is forming for Nets All-Star and restricted free agent D’Angelo Russell: Utah, Orlando, Minnesota and Indiana are among the teams expected to show an interest aside from Brooklyn, sources said.

During the 18-19 season, Russell averaged 21.1 points, 7.0 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game. The 23-year-old's performances helped lead the Nets back to the playoffs for the first time since the 14-15 season, and he also earned his first All-Star appearance.

#1 Lonzo Ball

Lonzo Ball looks set to leave the Lakers this summer

Lonzo Ball's future with the Los Angeles Lakers is in serious doubt. The Lakers are interested in signing an All-Star point guard such as Kyrie Irving or Kemba Walker, while Ball has previously been included in trade talks for Anthony Davis.

The Timberwolves don't have the assets to complete a direct trade for Ball, although Dan Favale of Bleacher Report believes the Lakers guard could head to Minnesota in a three-team deal:

Should they take a more gradual approach, they'd do well to monitor the Lakers. They might need a third-team facilitator if they chase trades for Bradley Beal, Anthony Davis or—get your phony surprised face ready—Chris Paul. Minnesota is a good landing spot for Lonzo Ball if the No. 10 pick, Okogie and other stuff are in play.

Ball was drafted by the Lakers with the second pick of the 2017 draft and he has since made 99 appearances, averaging 10.0 points, 6.4 assists and 6.2 rebounds per game.