Welcome to an upcoming NBA offseason with persistent trade rumors about Giannis Antetokounmpo that will be occurring daily, if not hourly, until he is officially moved (if traded at all). Expect the Minnesota Timberwolves to be part of the rumor mill as they look to upgrade their roster around Anthony Edwards.
On Tuesday, Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report posted a video about some offseason rumblings with a lot of his talking involving Giannis. When he got to the Timberwolves, Fischer said,
“Minnesota, I don’t really see them being a factor in the Giannis sweepstakes either…the Timberwolves I don’t think want to part with Jaden McDaniels.”
Even if the Timberwolves were to get involved, they can’t be seen as a favorite for the two-time MVP without making other deals beforehand.
Don’t currently have the draft capital to get seriously involved
It doesn’t seem likely that the Timberwolves would be able to acquire Antetokounmpo, as other teams out there seem as if they can present better offers. Nevertheless, there were plenty of rumors surrounding Giannis and the Wolves at this year’s trade deadline. Plus, Tim Connelly certainly isn’t shy of pulling off a blockbuster trade.
Still, it would probably involve making a prior deal or two before going after Giannis. Minnesota’s only future first-round pick they can trade is way down the line in 2033. Without Giannis, the Bucks will want draft capital and wouldn’t have much interest in older players such as Julius Randle or Rudy Gobert.
Feeling trepidation in trading McDaniels makes sense. It was reported at February’s trade deadline that, Minnesota didn’t want to give up the 25-year-old. He certainly is the most appealing member of the Timberwolves for Milwaukee other than Ant-Man, who obviously won’t be traded.
It’s understandable why the Timberwolves would be interested in Giannis. Right now, they are clearly behind the San Antonio Spurs and the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference pecking order. Those two teams aren’t expected to fade from the top anytime soon.
Still, Giannis will turn 32 years old a little more than a month into next season. While he’s still dominant, he appeared in just 36 games in 2025-26. Antetokounmpo has experienced a multitude of lower-body injuries in recent years, and he has missed multiple playoff games over that time due to ailments.
Antetokounmpo’s play style surely is one where he takes a lot of punishment. Trading for him wouldn’t just be for McDaniels straight up. Minnesota’s depth would be compromised, and it already is with Donte DiVincenzo out with a torn Achilles.
Let other teams break the bank for a superstar who comes with risk. Tim Connelly won’t sit on his hands this offseason and will look for other ways to improve the team without trading McDaniels.
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