Report: Timberwolves' Williams available in trade

With the NBA trade deadline only three weeks away, playoff contenders are looking to address their weaknesses and shore up their rotations.

That doesn't always involve acquiring a big name, and in fact often includes merely trading for a veteran who's been around the block.

One such veteran who should be available before the Feb. 19 deadline is Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Mo Williams.

Williams isn't an effective enough player to warrant a first-rounder, and if that's what the T-Wolves are hoping for, the 32-year-old may stay put after all. But given that Williams is on a one-year contract and doesn't factor into Minnesota's rebuilding plans, they should consider parting with him for any kind of draft pick compensation.

Williams is averaging 12.5 points, 6.4 assists and 2.3 rebounds on a poor Effective Field Goal Percentage of 46.1. He's a defensive liability on the perimeter and can still get too shot-happy, but he's a capable ball handler and distributor who could possibly fill a need somewhere as a backup point guard in limited minutes.