Insider: Wolves' Connelly 'won't hesitate to pull the trigger on a big trade'

The Minnesota Timberwolves will begin training camp on September 29 with largely the same roster that reached the Western Conference Finals last season, including an unchanged starting lineup of Mike Conley, Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, Julius Randle, and Rudy Gobert.

The primary uncertainty revolves around who will serve as Conley's backup at point guard, with two candidates in consideration: Rob Dillingham and Bones Hyland. If neither proves adequate, Timberwolves president Tim Connelly may pursue a trade before the February deadline, potentially targeting players like De’Aaron Fox or one of the Jones brothers.

Dillingham, the eighth overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, saw limited action as a rookie, while Hyland played only four games after joining Minnesota late in the season, offering little evidence he can handle significant bench minutes. Key reserves such as Naz Reid, Donte DiVincenzo, and Terrence Shannon Jr. are expected to play major roles, potentially reducing the immediate importance of the backup point guard position.

Head coach Chris Finch could utilize playmaking from Edwards and Randle when Conley rests, and the rotation may further limit opportunities for Dillingham or Hyland, especially if rookie Joan Beringer earns minutes as a defensive big behind Gobert.