With LeBron James hitting the open market, it makes a ton of sense for the Minnesota Timberwolves to register interest in him given their need for a power forward. The chances of him signing with Minnesota always felt like a long shot, though, and frankly, they still are. Between only currently having access to a minimum contract and not having any established connection to James, there are some clear hurdles for Minnesota.
However, Shams Charania recently noted that LeBron could opt to sign a minimum contract with a title contender. Again, this doesn't mean he'll sign with the Timberwolves, but there's at least a sliver of a chance.
“If you are an NBA team with contending aspirations, LeBron James, according to my sources, it is not a financially driven decision. That means, if you want to slot him in and pitch him on a minimum, an exception, pitch him on a non-max contract, there seems to be a window there.”
This report from Shams comes after Chris Haynes noted that LeBron James will be patient and open minded in selecting his next destination. These two reports together indicate it's not entirely impossible that the Wolves sign LeBron.
The Timberwolves quietly have an amazing pitch for LeBron James
At the end of the day, a reunion with either the Miami Heat or Cleveland Cavaliers feels more likely than James shocking the world with a move to Minnesota. Teamming up with his good friends Steph Curry and Draymond Green with the Golden State Warriors further seems more realistic than a move to the Twin Cities.
Regardless, the early indications of how LeBron will approach free agency seemingly give the Wolves an outside chance of making a big splash.
And basketball-wise, the Wolves' pitch is enticing -- James can slide into a position of need on a team that's built to win now.
With Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball, the Wolves have plenty of creation and playmaking to complement LeBron. Furthermore, Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert are elite defenders who can cover up for James.
As James has aged, he has adapted to a more complementary role. All the same, he can still provide shot-creation juice, and he remains an elite playmaker. Simply put, he'd fit in like a glove with the Wolves' established talent.
Outside of the San Antonio Spurs and the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Wolves are arguably the biggest title threat in the West. By adding LeBron, Minnesota would certainly close this gap. From a pure narrative standpoint, helping lead the Timberwolves to their first-ever championship would help LeBron's legacy immensely.
The point is: Minnesota could make an intriguing basketball pitch despite being limited financially, and based on the reporting around LeBron, it's not impossible that he listens to it.
In the end, it would be surprising if James opted not to sign with the Cavs, Warriors or Heat, given his established connections to these teams and that he likely thinks they can win.
Nevertheless, stranger things have happened, and the Timberwolves' chances of signing LeBron appear to be greater than zero.
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