The Minnesota Timberwolves have been rumored to be seeking another superstar this offseason and the top prize is Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Wolves were connected with the Milwaukee Bucks’ star dating back to last year’s trade deadline and many assumed they would be in the mix to resume talks this summer.
A report by The Athletic’s Sam Amick and Eric Nehm states that the Wolves are “seen by some as an emerging option” to trade for Antetokounmpo, but Bucks would want a package including Jaden McDaniels, Naz Reid, Terrence Shannon Jr., the 28th overall pick in this month’s draft and the Timberwolves’ 2033 first-round pick.
Aside from the monumental cost, the report also noted that Antetokounmpo would prefer to be traded within the Eastern Conference and “it’s unclear whether he’d be willing to sign long-term in Minnesota.”
With all things considered, there are a lot of benefits the Wolves could reap by bringing in Antetokounmpo to battle the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder for Western Conference supremacy. But the risk is too great for that reward, which should leave Minnesota pivoting to a different target.
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s warning signs are becoming too much for Timberwolves to ignore
The obvious risk is what the Wolves would have to give up according to the report. While Nehm is a Bucks reporter and this could be Milwaukee’s way of trying to get a better package as opposed to an actual offer, McDaniels, Reid and Shannon Jr. are all considered part of the current core of the team and could take massive steps in 2026.
For McDaniels, that would be an increased role in the offense that president of basketball operations Tim Connelly hinted at during his exit interview. For Reid, it could be a long-awaited move into the starting lineup, assuming the Wolves trade either Julius Randle or Rudy Gobert. And for Shannon, it could be a full-time move to point guard.
It can be argued that the Wolves could stomach all three reaching their potential in Milwaukee if Antetokounmpo lives up to his reputation as a nine-time All-NBA selection and a 10-time All-Star. But set to turn 32 in December, there is some significant wear and tear to be concerned about.
A history of calf strains that began in April 2024 and continued last season is the biggest issue as it could either pop up again or lead to a more significant injury such as an Achilles tear. Knee injuries have also become a problem, most recently a hyper extension and bone bruise suffered during a game last March.
Again, you could say 60 games of Giannis isn’t a bad thing, but if the Wolves no longer have McDaniels, Reid, or Shannon, this could become a significant depth issue.
The Wolves also have to think of the long-term. While Antetokounmpo’s size can be a weapon against the giants in the West, including Victor Wembanyama and Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets, there may only be a few years of elite basketball left in him.
It’s likely that Reid, McDaniels and Shannon are role players instead of elite ones waiting for a breakout, but with all three under the age of 26, they can be part of a window that lasts four to five years as opposed to a two-to three-year window by trading for Antetokounmpo.
Finally, there’s the matter of an extension. According to Spotrac, Antetokounmpo is entering the second year of a three-year extension signed with Milwaukee that began last season. But he is likely to decline a $62.7 million player option and hit free agency after next season if he doesn’t sign an extension. If he doesn’t reach one upon his arrival, the Wolves could wind up trading for a one-year rental that could leave them in a much worse position at this time next year.
It also doesn’t account for the thoughts of the players who could be floated in the rumors, as The Athletic’s Jon Krawczynski reported that coaches and teammates believe that Randle’s play was affected after “being bandied about in trade rumors” last February. If the Wolves make the offer and it’s rejected, it could affect the chemistry in the locker room, bringing more trouble than it's worth.
Going all-in with Antetokounmpo makes some sense. But significantly weakening the roster around him is a counterproductive move that could backfire in multiple ways. This means it’s no longer worth the risk to bring him to the Timberwolves and a pivot may be necessary to build the best team possible for next season.
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