The Minnesota Timberwolves were one of the teams at the forefront of Kevin Durant trade talks this summer. However, KD ultimately ended up with the Houston Rockets after he reportedly didn't want to end up in Minnesota. With the NBA schedule being released, the Wolves now have a golden opportunity on January 16 to make Durant look foolish for turning down a trade to the Wolves. Notably, the game is on ESPN, which gives the Wolves a chance to make a statement on a national stage.
Frankly, from a title contention standpoint, Durant's lack of interest in Minnesota never added up. The Wolves are coming off back-to-back conference finals appearances and would have offered KD a real chance to win his third ring. Durant's known friendship with Anthony Edwards made his desire to play elsewhere a surprise to many. Now, the Wolves have a chance to show Durant what he's missing out on.
The Wolves can prove Durant wrong for not wanting to play in Minnesota
If the Wolves get the better of Houston, Durant's request will look somewhat foolish. Additionally, Durant doesn't have an extension in place with Houston, something the Wolves likely would have given him if he were open to landing in Minnesota. Assuming he doesn't have an extension with the Rockets when they play the Wolves, which seems possible, could add an extra level of interest.
The Wolves have had success against Durant-led teams before. Most notably, they swept the Durant-led Phoenix Suns in the 2023 playoffs. While this Rockets squad is far different, the Wolves could shut them down. Jaden McDaniels is well-equipped to guard Durant, and Edwards can match KD's scoring. The Wolves' frontcourt size, led by Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle, will help them contain Alperen Şengün.
The Wolves split the season series with the Rockets last year. Notably, all but one game was decided by single digits. As a result, fans can expect an entertaining showdown. If the Wolves win this matchup, it will be a definitive statement to Durant.
The Wolves can prove they are clear contenders
Outside of the Durant aspect of this matchup, and how exciting it's poised to be from a basketball perspective, the Wolves can prove once again that they are one of the elite teams in the West. Following the Rockets' incredible offseason and impressive 2024-25 campaign, many have slated them as the second-best team in the league behind the Oklahoma City Thunder.
As a result, the Wolves have a perfect chance to make a statement that they belong in this conversation of top-tier contenders on a national stage. While it's only one of 82 games, the Wolves' first matchup with the Rockets on January 16 is one that fans and players should have circled on their calendars.