The Minnesota Timberwolves were one of the most aggressive teams pursuing Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo at the deadline. However, last week, Jake Fischer reported that the Wolves no longer factor into Giannis talks.
Now, though, reporting from Sam Amick and Eric Nehm of The Athletic indicates Minnesota might not be done just yet. At the same time, nothing has changed in terms of the roadblocks for a Wolves-Giannis trade.
"The Timberwolves, meanwhile, are also seen by some as an emerging option for the Bucks. While Antetokounmpo is known to prefer a trade involving a team in the Eastern Conference, league sources say the Bucks are interested in what Minnesota has to offer. If the Timberwolves want to get into the mix, league sources say the Bucks would want a package including Jaden McDaniels, Naz Reid, Terrence Shannon Jr. and their two tradable first-round picks (No. 28 in this year’s draft and their 2033 pick). Yet considering McDaniels’ immense value alongside Edwards as an elite perimeter defender, as well as his impressive postseason performance, team sources say Minnesota has indicated that McDaniels is off limits. Per those sources, the same goes for 19-year-old big man Joan Beringer," The Athletic wrote.
Throughout this process, McDaniels has seemingly been the sticking point for the Bucks. And understandably so, given the Wolves don't have a slew of draft picks or high-end young talent. In the same breath, it's quite understandable why the Wolves are determined to hold on to McDaniels, who is a budding offensive star and already one of the league's best defenders.
Frankly, I don't see a world where the Wolves can pull off a Giannis trade without trading McDaniels, which, by all accounts, isn't something they want to do. Not including promising young big man Joan Beringer further complicates their path to a Giannis trade.
A Timberwolves-Giannis trade is highly unlikely despite this report
If Tim Connelly pulls off a Giannis trade without giving up McDaniels and Beringer, the Wolves should build a statue of him outside the Target Center, because that would be a remarkable accomplishment.
I suppose Rudy Gobert or Julius Randle could be put in place of McDaniels. Even still, I don't see the Bucks being interested in either player. As such, it would likely be a three-team deal where the Bucks get whatever the market for Gobert and Randle is.
It's worth wondering how this would compare to other possible offers (and spoiler alert, I don't think it does).
The Miami Heat's reported package is Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., either Pelle Larsson or Kasparas Jakučionis and draft capital (they can offer up to three first-round picks). I'm sorry, without McDaniels, I don't see the Wolves competing with that.
Plus, the Boston Celtics are now constantly mentioned as a suitor with the possibility of Jaylen Brown (a top-15 player in the league if you ask me) being on the table. It seems likely this would be a three-team deal, but again: how would the Wolves match this without giving up McDaniels?
Another hurdle is that it's unclear whether Giannis would sign an extension in Minnesota. With the possibility of him leaving in free agency next season, combined with his injury history and the importance of depth, it makes all the sense in the world why the Wolves don't want to sell the farm.
These factors all make a Wolves-Giannis trade unlikely.
After this report, you can't entirely write off the Wolves' chances, though it would undoubtedly be a miracle move.
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