This past offseason, the Timberwolves were firmly in the mix to acquire Kevin Durant. With many highly regarded sources in the NBA community saying that the Minnesota Timberwolves were the favorites.
Given Durant's level of garnered respect, the Suns essentially let him choose where he wanted to be traded. It was reported by. It was reported by Shams Charania that Durant had "no desire" to be in Minnesota, eventually leading the Rockets to win the bidding war.
Going into the season, the Rockets were seen as one of the top dogs out West, but that wasn't the case. They finished fifth, one spot above the Wolves, but despite that, their regular season wasn't considered very successful. To make matters worse, during the All-Star break, rumors started swirling regarding Durant talking down on his teammates on a Twitter burner account.
Whether that was true or not, the Rockets' chemistry has looked off most of the year. Fast forward to today, and they're down 2-0 to an extremely injured Lakers team. A first-round loss in this fashion would be beyond embarrassing for a team with these aspirations, and it makes you wonder if KD is regretting not choosing to team up with Anthony Edwards in Minnesota.
Anthony Edwards and Kevin Durant would have been un unstoppable duo
Who knows why KD didn't want to come to Minnesota? Maybe it was the cold weather? Maybe it was the state taxes? Or maybe he genuinely thought that he had a better chance of winning a championship in Houston. Either way, if you could build a dream second option to play next to Edwards, Durant checks nearly every box.
He can thrive off the ball. He demands double teams. Most importantly, the Wolves would have two of arguably the top five closers in the game.
Given Edwards' and Durant's off-court relationship, most fans were surprised when KD shut down the possibility of teaming up. I'm not a mind reader, but he might be regretting that choice.
The Timberwolves are getting the last laugh amid the Rockets' collapse
At the end of the day, the Wolves are in a great spot, for now and for the future. Not getting Durant doesn't change that. However, the Rockets, on the other hand, look like an utterly dysfunctional team right now.
The roster doesn't fit with each other at all, and Durant needs to lead the team at 37-years-old with their other main pieces having major flaws. Hindsight is 20-20, but the Timberwolves were always the more desirable basketball destination than the Rockets.
But Durant made his bed, and now he has to attempt to save the Rockets from one of the more embarrassing first-round losses in recent history. Conversely, Edwards and the Wolves are going toe-to-toe with one of the premier contenders in the NBA.
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