The 2020 NBA Draft saw the Minnesota Timberwolves select Anthony Edwards with the first overall pick. Later in that first round, Jaden McDaniels was the 28th selection. Naz Reid had just finished up his rookie season in 2019-20 after going undrafted and appearing in just 30 games.Â
The trio of Wolves players are in their sixth season now together and are about to embark in a postseason journey for the fifth-straight year. Their time together in the league, and the amount they have played together, are unmatched by any other trios in the NBA.
This trio has captured the hearts of Timberwolves fans and helped lead the most successful era in franchise history. However, the reality is that in the modern NBA, roster shake-ups are common, and if the Wolves flame out early, it's possible they'd look to break up this trio.
All three have played large roles on the most successful era of Wolves basketball
We are in the midst of the most successful era of Timberwolves basketball. They made their second and third conference finals appearances in team history in the last two years. They have reached the playoffs in five straight years after doing so in just eight of their first 32 seasons. Ant-Man, Naz, and McDaniels have all had a large role in the turnaround.
Per the Elias Sports Bureau (and as written by The Athletic’s Jon Krawczynski on Thursday), the three players have now all appeared in 382 regular season games together. That’s substantially more than any other current trio of teammates in the league. Coming in at second place are Derrick White, Payton Pritchard, and Sam Hauser of the Boston Celtics with 269.
Three guys on the same team playing six years together is mostly unseen in today’s NBA landscape. It’s a partnership that can continue after this season as well. All three of them are signed with Minnesota over the next three years as well. McDaniels will become a free agent in the 2029 offseason (without an extension prior to that), while Reid and Edwards are scheduled to have player options for the 2029-30 season.
Continuity can be very important in sports. Naz, Jaden, and Ant went through a 23-49 season in their first year as teammates. Since then, they have been a playoff team every season.
The Wolves could shake up their core if they lose early
There’s always the threat of the partnership ending, though, with an early playoff exit (Reid would probably be the most likely to be traded), especially if the Wolves decide to go after Giannis Antetokounmpo as they were heavily rumored to be doing so at this year's trade deadline.
The Wolves trading Ant is, of course, out of the picture, but if they chase a big star, McDaniels being moved can't be completely ruled out. Throughout his time with the Wolves, Tim Connelly has proven he isn't afraid to make a big move. If the Wolves underwhelm in the playoffs, everyone other than Ant could be traded, which could unfortunately break up this beloved homegrown trio.
The Denver Nuggets certainly aren’t an easy opening-round matchup. The three longest-tenured members of the Timberwolves have unrelenting confidence in each other, which can help when and if the going gets tough. They would hate this to be their last series as a trio, but unfortunately, this remains a possibility.
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