Timberwolves face a new frontcourt problem after Ball

Timberwolves trade – After Minnesota’s offseason trades landed LaMelo Ball, the Timberwolves are suddenly thin in the frontcourt—and the cleanest next fix they could pursue involves a trade for Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington. The proposed swap would reshape both rosters’

Minnesota’s trade wheels have barely cooled since the offseason began—and the Timberwolves’ latest headline could come with an uncomfortable side effect. When the Timberwolves moved to secure a new point guard with LaMelo Ball. the roster shift wasn’t just about upgrading the backcourt. It also squeezed the frontcourt picture. leaving Minnesota looking for size at the worst possible time if it wants to stay true to its championship intent.

Minnesota has already made two of the biggest trades of the offseason. Reports suggest the LaMelo Ball blockbuster could be looped into the prior Julius Randle trade that kicked off the offseason—but the deals themselves were announced separately. Either way. the result is the same: Minnesota dumped Randle’s salary and included Naz Reid in the deal to land their new point guard.

That’s where the gap shows up. With those moves completed, the Timberwolves suddenly look thin in the frontcourt. Jaden McDaniels can slide up to the four spot if needed, and Rudy Gobert remains one of the best paint protectors in basketball. But the bigger issue is simple: the team needs more size.

One trade is built to address that exact weakness. The Timberwolves must trade for P.J. Washington.

In this proposal, the Minnesota Timberwolves would receive P.J. Washington, while the Dallas Mavericks would get Terrence Shannon Jr., Donte DiVincenzo, and Josh Green. The reasoning is easy to understand: Minnesota already re-signed Ayo Dosunmu. Josh Green was included in the Ball trade. and that bundle of decisions has created a logjam in the Timberwolves’ backcourt. The roster is signaling win-now urgency, and that usually means pairing new talent with a clean balance elsewhere.

Washington is the kind of frontcourt piece that can cover multiple needs at once. The power forward for the Dallas Mavericks can play inside or outside, both on offense and defense. And he’s under contract through 2030—longer than any other player on Dallas’ roster.

Dallas, however, might be the obstacle. The Mavericks appear to be squeezing Washington’s role even though he fits as a two-way forward. The franchise’s direction is clear: Cooper Flagg is predominantly a power forward. and Morez Johnson was selected in the NBA Draft lottery as a four/five. With Daniel Gafford and Derek Lively also on the roster. there don’t seem to be many minutes available for Washington.

Dallas could decide it wants positional balance of its own. In that case. Minnesota’s offer gives them three wings/guards who are familiar with the kind of rotation stress that injuries and matchups create over a long season. Green, in particular, is already being viewed as a candidate to be flipped. If Minnesota is truly all in on winning now. trading DiVincenzo—described as one of the best 3-point shooters in the NBA—might not be a deal-breaker. even though it would hurt to move him.

But Minnesota would feel the loss of Shannon. Losing Terrence Shannon Jr. would sting because he has established a role with the Timberwolves despite his youth. Still. Minnesota is deprived of draft capital in the way it tries to buy its next step. and the Mavericks would surely demand the young wing from Illinois in any deal of this kind.

Washington’s value also isn’t a question. He averaged 14.2 points and 7.0 rebounds per game last season. When the Mavericks traded for him in 2024, Washington helped Dallas reach the NBA Finals. A lot has changed since then. but the commitment Dallas made to get him matters: Dallas gave up a 2027 first-rounder for Washington. which suggests the franchise may be hesitant to move off him quickly.

That’s where the negotiation becomes personal—and delicate. Tim Connelly is one of the most aggressive front office executives in the NBA. and the pitch he would need to sell is specific. If he can convince Dallas that Shannon would be part of their long-term core alongside Cooper Flagg. and that Dallas would be at the front of the line to re-sign Donte DiVincenzo once his contract expires at the end of the season. then a trade becomes more plausible. Dallas would also have familiarity with Green since he was on the team from 2020 to 2024.

The Timberwolves aren’t done making big moves. With Ball already in the mix. Ayo Dosunmu re-signed. and the backcourt picture crowded by the inclusion of Josh Green. the next domino for Minnesota may not be another guard—it may be the frontcourt size they’re missing right now. Washington is the kind of forward who can solve that problem fast. Whether Dallas is willing to pay the price for it is the question that now defines the next chapter of Minnesota’s offseason.

Minnesota Timberwolves LaMelo Ball Julius Randle Naz Reid P.J. Washington Dallas Mavericks Terrence Shannon Jr. Donte DiVincenzo Josh Green Rudy Gobert Jaden McDaniels Ayo Dosunmu Tim Connelly NBA trades