As the Minnesota Timberwolves reached the end of their season, it was apparent that they needed a second star to pair with Anthony Edwards. The days since they were eliminated from the playoffs by the San Antonio Spurs have been dominated by rumors surrounding Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo. But if they can’t land “The Greek Freak,” Kyrie Irving could be a backup option.
While Irving is polarizing, he could wind up being the Timberwolves’ best option as they look for a second star, and the risk could match the reward as they look to compete in the Western Conference.
Kyrie Irving might be the Timberwolves’ best trade option this offseason
The Wolves are open for business and reportedly intend to build around a core of Edwards, Naz Reid, Joan Beringer and Jaden McDaniels via The Athletic’s Jon Krawczynski. If that’s the case, they likely won’t have the assets to acquire Antetokounmpo.
If that is officially the core the Wolves want to build around, Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert would be their top trade chips this summer. But each comes with significant risk.
Randle averaged 20.0 points, 6.9 rebounds and 4.9 assists during his two seasons in Minnesota, but his playoff performance against the Spurs seems to have booked him a flight out of town. It feels like it’s a matter of “when,” not “if,” he gets traded, especially after skipping his exit interview at the end of the season and it will be another franchise he left on rocky terms, joining the New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers.
Gobert is another possible trade candidate as his offensive game doesn’t match his defensive benefits. While he’s still an imposing presence that keeps players from driving into the lane, his stone hands and shooter’s touch similar to concrete make him a liability on the other end, making it a concern what he will look like in the final two years of his current contract.
The Wolves could offer Randle or Gobert as part of a trade for Antetokounmpo. But the Bucks would be taking on a player with a significant amount of risk in exchange for their franchise superstar. Dealing either Randle or Rudy for Irving, however, balances that risk and could be enough for Dallas to make a deal.
Timberwolves fans are split on Irving due to his rough exits elsewhere (mainly Boston) and recent ACL injury. Irving could flame out wherever he lands, given his age (34) and recent injury history. But he could also be exactly what the Timberwolves need.
A 14-year veteran, Irving has averaged 23.7 points throughout his career, but averaged 26.3 points per game while splitting time between the Brooklyn Nets and Dallas Mavericks over his last six seasons. In addition, Irving has the reputation of making big shots, most notably his go-ahead 3-pointer for the Cleveland Cavaliers during Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals.
A skeptic would note that it was 10 years ago. But Edwards and the Timberwolves saw it first hand when Irving averaged 27.0 points, 4.6 assists and 3.6 rebounds to help the Mavericks upset Minnesota in the 2024 Western Conference Finals. Without a doubt, Kyrie's elite ball handling and three-level scoring would benefit Edwards immensely.
Irving also carries less risk than Morant, who, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported had “negative trade value” due to his off-court issues leading up to last season’s trade deadline and also has plenty of experience, winning it all with the Cavaliers in 2016.
It wouldn’t be for the faint of heart, but president of basketball operations Tim Connelly admitted if the Wolves “mess up,” they’ll “mess up loudly.” Unless they can miraculously swing a deal for Antetokounmpo, Irving might be their best option and it’s one that could pay off despite the risk that’s involved.
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