LeBron James' next team is a story that will dominate free agency. Recently, his agent, Rich Paul, revealed a whiteboard of LeBron's possible destinations on his podcast Game Over. And wouldn't you know it, one of the teams was the Minnesota Timberwolves.
It's clear that James is casting a wide net and keeping an open mind. To hammer home this point, here's a list of the teams other than the Wolves on the whiteboard: Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers and San Antonio Spurs.
With nine other teams in the running for LeBron, the Wolves can't be labeled as a clear frontrunner. Nevertheless, it's clear that LeBron is at least considering the possibility of joining the Timberwolves. At the end of the day, Minnesota signing James still feels like a long shot, but until they are officially crossed off or he signs elsewhere, this possibility is worth discussing.
Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic noted that Paul and Timberwolves lead executive Tim Connelly have had a strong relationship for a long time, which could further create a connection. It's also worth noting that Paul's co-host, Max Kellerman, called the Wolves the "most interesting landing spot" for James.
Furthermore, while the Wolves' only spending power is the veteran minimum right now, LeBron's decision isn't going to be financially driven. The Wolves could also create some more cap space by waiving Josh Green.
The Timberwolves are an intriguing destination for LeBron James
Basketball-wise, James would be a seamless fit with the Wolves. After trading Julius Randle and Naz Reid, the Wolves need a power forward in the worst way.
Even at 41, there's no better choice than James, who remains an All-Star-level player. His fit as a playmaker and all-around shot creator would immediately uplift the Wolves.
All the same, LeBron wouldn't be overtaxed offensively given the dynamic duo of Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball. Perhaps more importantly, Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert could insulate James on defense.
Now, teams such as the Spurs and Knicks have a better raw chance of winning a championship. Still, the Wolves offer LeBron a genuine chance to win his fifth ring. Plus, if you buy into the narrative side of things, helping the Timberwolves win their first-ever title would benefit him more than joining a team with more talent and championship-level experience.
Again, none of this is to say that the Wolves are front-runners for James. Rather, my point is that there's a real pitch, and since LeBron's camp is considering the Wolves, this possibility can't be ruled out.
At the end of the day, LeBron going back to Cleveland or playing with some of his good pals in Golden State feels more likely than him signing with Minnesota. Regardless, until we get definitive reporting that indicates otherwise, the Wolves appear to have a chance to land LeBron.
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