Despite very powerful people trying to tell you otherwise, Minneapolis is one of the best cities in the country. So it makes sense that Giannis Antetokounmpo sees the appeal of moving a few states over and playing for the Timberwolves — and apparently, he really likes the idea.
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, "League sources say that the prospect of teaming up with Anthony Edwards holds strong appeal for Antetokounmpo..." and that "...Antetokounmpo has quietly had the Timberwolves in his thoughts dating to the offseason."
That sounds pretty serious! Of course, half the NBA is interested in acquiring Giannis; that's what happens when a superstar is available. But Giannis isn't interested in half the NBA; and he is, clearly, interested in teaming up with Ant. Wolves fans should be interested in that, too, of course, as that's a good enough duo to challenge anyone in the Western Conference. Anyone.
The other big question, though, is what the rest of the team would look like around those two. Because a Giannis trade would not come cheap. At all. And the Wolves would have to sacrifice some fan favorites to cobble together an offer that might interest the Bucks, especially with the Wolves' lack of draft capital they can offer up. — right now, anyway.
Timberwolves could build a convincing (but painful) package for Giannis
As long as Giannis isn't traded in the next week. If he is, it likely won't be to the Wolves, who can only offer one first-round pick right now, but can offer three in the summer.
Fischer also mentioned that the Wolves "presumably" would "try pretty much anything" to land Giannis. So, what would "anything" look like? All three of those picks, for starters.
Player-wise, it probably starts with Jaden McDaniels and Naz Reid, two productive players in their mid-20s on long-term contracts. It probably continues with Joan Beringer, the promising 19 year-old rookie center. It likely continues after that, too, but that's at least some sort of jumping-off point.
Yes, three first-rounders and three players —two of which are already dang good — is a staggering price. But in order to acquire a multi-time MVP, that's what a return package has to look like.
Giannis likely won't be traded to a place he has no interest in going. Thus, if he makes it clear that Minnesota is his preferred destination, the Bucks might have no choice but to oblige. In a few short months, with more picks at their disposal, the Wolves will be right in the mix for Giannis. Right now, though, the waiting game is all they can play. Aside from, you know, the actual basketball games they're playing. Which are going pretty well!