Seemingly inevitable Timberwolves' season outcome will shift the focus back on Giannis

There's no nice way to put it, the Minnesota Timberwolves' season is spiraling right before the playoffs begin. With injuries to Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels, coupled with a season defined by inconsistent play, another deep playoff run is starting to seem unlikely. Undoubtedly, the Wolves feel primed for some big changes in the offseason, with a possible Giannis Antetokounmpo trade being the biggest prize. 

The Wolves were one of the most aggressive pursuers of Giannis at the deadline. While the Milwaukee Bucks, of course, retained him, all signs point to him (finally) being moved this summer. 

A recent report from Shams Charania of ESPN detailed the fractured relationship between Giannis and the Bucks. He noted that Milwaukee has come to terms with the inevitability of a likely deal coming to fruition this offseason. Furthermore, the Bucks allegedly not allowing Giannis to play during the final portion of the regular season despite his desire to do so has further damaged their relationship. 

Once the offseason resumes, so will the Wolves' dream of trading for Giannis. Now, whether they can actually pull off a move of this magnitude is up for debate, but there's no doubt Tim Connelly and company will make an all-out effort. 

All eyes will be on Giannis during the early portion of the Wolves' offseason

Pairing two top-five-level players together is a possibility that the Wolves have to pursue, despite the undeniable obstacles they'll face, especially regarding draft capital and the subsequent need for a third team. Since the Wolves were one of the main suitors for Giannis at the deadline, they might have a real chance to pull off a blockbuster deal.

If the Wolves underwhelm in the playoffs (which currently seems more likely than not), they'll certainly look to trade at least one of Julius Randle or Rudy Gobert. Between Randle's inconsistencies and Gobert's offensive limitations, it's fair to want to re-shuffle the deck around Ant.

Still, finding a suitor for one of them that makes the Wolves a clearly better team is tricky. As such, including both players in a deal for Giannis (or subsequently trading one) would be the Wolves' best option. 

This, in addition to the obvious allure of pairing with top-five players, will make the Wolves eager to trade for Giannis. Unfortunately, any trade for Giannis would also likely have to include Jaden McDaniels. Regardless, given the upside of trading for Giannis, this price would likely prove to be worthwhile.

Making a move for Giannis will undoubtedly be tricky for the Wolves. However, there's no denying that the main focus of the early portion of the Wolves' offseason will be on their pursuit of Giannis, and with Tim Connelly in charge, they can't be counted out as a viable suitor.