Timberwolves players shocked by Luka Doncic, Anthony Davis trade
Timberwolves players shocked by Luka Doncic, Anthony Davis trade
Timberwolves players Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Mike Conley Jr. reacted at shootaround Monday to the trade involving Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis that sent shockwaves across the NBA. Anthony Edwards was also back on the court after missing Saturday's loss due to illness.
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - The Minnesota Timberwolves had just gotten done with a bad loss to the Washington Wizards Saturday night when a trade sent shockwaves across the NBA.
The Dallas Mavericks traded away Luka Doncic and two other players to the L.A. Lakers for Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 first round pick. It was a puzzling move by the Mavericks, with Doncic leading them to the NBA Finals last season despite ongoing issues with his calf, and complaints of him being out of shape and overweight.
Timberwolves’ players Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Mike Conley Jr. talked at shootaround Monday before hosting the Sacramento Kings about the trade. They joked in a group text that they thought ESPN NBA reporter Shams Charania had his social media hacked.
"Just a lot of surprise, shock. It came out of nowhere. For me it was just wondering how spur of the moment was it, and if it wasn’t, it’s pretty impressive nobody knew until that momen," Alexander-Walker said.
The NBA trade deadline is Thursday afternoon. Conley says if Doncic and Davis can be traded, anything is possible.
"I texted the group and said put your ringers on extra loud just in case. Be ready for whatever, when you see something like that, it’s such a surprise to everybody," Conley said. "Two of the most untouchable guys out there, AD and Luka, it puts us all on alert."
Anthony Edwards, Naz Reid appear at shoot-around
What we know: The Timberwolves lost to a Wizards’ team Saturday night that had won just six games all season, and was on a 16-game losing streak. Minnesota was without Julius Randle (groin), Anthony Edwards (illness), Donte DiVincenzo (foot) and Naz Reid left the game in the third quarter with a sprained finger.
The good news is that Edwards was getting up shots Monday morning and appears to be back. Reid was also at shootaround, but both are listed as questionable against the Kings.
What we don't know: If both Edwards and Reid will return Monday night.
Saturday’s loss snapped a five-game win streak as the Timberwolves are in the No. 7 spot in the Western Conference at 27-22. They’re one game out of sixth, and two out of fifth. The Timberwolves need to finish in the top six to avoid a play-in series for the NBA Playoffs.
Kings without De’Aaron Fox
Why it matters: The Timberwolves will face the Kings Monday night without star guard De’Aaron Fox, who was traded to the San Antonio Spurs for Zach LaVine. Fox was averaging 25 points, 6.1 assists and five rebounds per game for the Kings this season. LaVine was not at the Kings’ shootaround Monday and is not in Minneapolis for Monday’s game.