Report: Shake Milton a likely trade chip for Wolves

"I think the Wolves end up trading Shake Milton, but I also sense that is something he would happily welcome."

As next month's trade deadline approaches, Timberwolves backup guard Shake Milton has been brought up as possible trade chip.

"I think the Wolves end up trading Shake Milton," said KSTP's Darren Wolfson on a recent appearance on SKOR North's Mackey & Judd show. "I also sense that is something he would happily welcome."

Milton, 27, signed with Minnesota in the offseason but hasn't settled into the team's rotation. Through 29 games Milton's numbers are down from his five years in Philadelphia.

• 29 games with MN: 5.1 points | 1.4 assists | 1.4 rebounds | .385 FG% | .265 3P%
• 5 years with PHI: 9.3 points | 2.7 assists | 2.4 rebounds | .455 FG% | .365 3P%

Milton regularly broke double-digit minutes in the team's first 22 games but now has failed to appear in six of the Wolves' last 13 games entering play Tuesday. He's only played double-digit minutes twice in that span. 

"I think they end up doing something," Wolfson continued. "They realize they need a little bit more bench power, they could use some shooting help. You can make the case for a backup point guard."

Minnesota has slumped of late, going 5-5 in the last 10 games while seeing a number of key defensive statistics drop. In fact, since Dec. 20 they have the 9th-ranked defensive rating (114.9) and the 21st-ranked offensive rating (114.4). 

"I do think, well enough people have told me, they're working [the phones]. The trade deadline is still a month away," said Wolfson.

Also hurting Milton's opportunities is the revival of Jordan McLaughlin, who has reentered the rotation as a backup point guard in the last two weeks. 

Dec 11, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Shake Milton (18) dribbles against New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado (15) during the first half at the Smoothie King Center / © Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports