Jaden McDaniels is enjoying a career season, averaging 14.8 points on ridiculous 51.1/44/84.7 shooting splits. During Thursday's statement win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, McDaniels recorded 21 points on 8-for-11 shooting while, of course, playing excellent defense. Much of the discourse around McDaniels this week has been centered around Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors.
As it stands, the Minnesota Timberwolves seem to be one of the most aggressive teams in the Giannis sweepstakes. However, any trade would (in all likelihood) have to involve McDaniels (and Julius Randle). The most likely route would be McDaniels going to the Portland Trail Blazers, who send picks and salary filler back to the Milwaukee Bucks, who would also land Randle. That's a steep price to pay.
Reporting from The Stein Line made it sound like trading McDaniels is on the table for Giannis.
"The Wolves made Jaden McDaniels untouchable when Kevin Durant had interest in being traded from Phoenix to Minnesota to team up with Edwards, but they would be expected to relent in an Antetokounmpo deal."
Of course, the idea of adding another top-five player next to Anthony Edwards is tantalizing, and when a player like Giannis hits the open market, you have to weigh your options. Nevertheless, I wouldn't be quick to trade a 25-year-old McDaniels along with your second-best player in Randle even for Giannis. I know this might sound foolish, but two-way wings like McDaniels don't grow on trees -- and given his age, he could still reach another level.
Trading McDaniels (even for Giannis) would be a difficult price
Again, I'm not saying the Wolves shouldn't pursue Giannis at all. I just don't think it's a no-brainer like many people believe, and this isn't even accounting for the hurdles Minnesota faces without draft capital and a sky-high payroll.
Yes, the star power of an Ant-Giannis duo is undeniable. However, the modern NBA is no longer simply about star power. Look at teams, like the Kevin Durant-era Phoenix Suns and Brooklyn Nets, or even the Los Angeles Clippers with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. Supporting talent and depth are more crucial than raw star talent. Don't believe me? Think about the most recent champions.
The Wolves already lack point guard play and depth. That won't be solved by trading for Giannis, and suddenly the Wolves would have another gaping hole -- their on-ball defense and wing play. Is it worth it for Giannis? It very well could be, but it's not a certainty -- especially given the financial constraints of having two supermax players on the roster.
On top of this, Giannis is 31 and has a sizable injury history -- he's currently dealing with a calf injury (again). Big men don't tend to age gracefully. As such, there are inherent risks with trading for Giannis. Again, there's a lot to consider.
Another factor I'd like to point out is that McDaniels and Edwards have a clear bond. Both players entered the league in 2020 and have grown up together on the Timberwolves. After the win against OKC, Edwards once again mentioned his connection to McDaniels, going as far as to say, "That's my favorite player in the league." And that's far from the first time Edwards has said this about McDaniels.
I'm sure Edwards would be thrilled if the Wolves pulled off a trade for Giannis. But if that meant they traded his best friend and partner in crime? I don't think he'd be nearly as thrilled, quite frankly.
Until Giannis is officially moved, whether that be before the trade deadline or this saga drags into the offseason, expect the Wolves to be mentioned as a suitor. However, they must think long and hard about trading for him, especially since this would presumably mean McDaniels would have to be on the move.