A new update on the Minnesota Timberwolves chasing Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The Minnesota Timberwolves have been linked to Giannis Antetokounmpo since the NBA trade deadline when the team reportedly inquired about trading for the Milwaukee Bucks superstar.
A deal never came to fruition at the trade deadline as Giannis remained in Milwaukee, but Minnesota was expected to maintain interest into the offseason if they didn't win a championship or at least advance to the NBA Finals.
The Timberwolves lost in the second round in six games to the San Antonio Spurs, and after the performances of Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle, many fans wondered if they would circle back around to Giannis, one of the few players who could go toe-to-toe with Victor Wembanyama.
Doubt Giannis Heads To Minnesota
Appearing on the Hoops Collective podcast, NBA senior writer Tim Bontemps stated, “I just don't see how Minnesota gets a [Giannis] deal done.”
There is certainly reason to doubt how Minnesota could get a deal done for Giannis.
They have the contracts with Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert, which easily makes the money work in any potential Giannis trade, but Randle and Gobert aren't the most attractive assetts for the Bucks.
The Timberwolves don't have any young players that are identified as can't miss prospects, and they don't have a guaranteed lottery pick in the 2026 draft. They have multiple first-round picks to offer, and if they limit the protections, then those are valuable, but with Giannis and Anthony Edwards, Minnesota will be competitive for years to come.
Can Minnesota Get It Done?
It would take a lot, and probably multiple teams. It could also involve Jaden McDaniels, whom Minnesota should be hesitant to part with given his age and importance.
Minnesota is already a team lacking depth, and the injury to Donte DiVincenzo isn't going to help them. They still have to re-sign Ayo Dosumu, who won't be cheap.
If Ayo is a starter in place of DiVincenzo, their bench becomes Naz Reid, Joan Beringer, and Terrence Shannon Jr. They could make other signings, but money might be limited depending on who else gets shipped out in a deal for Giannis.
The other issue is that there will be other suitors. Minnesota's best offer isn't going to beat the best offer from the likes of the Miami Heat or Boston Celtics, and they definitely aren't beating an offer from a team like the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Minnesota's best hope is that Giannis makes it clear that he wants to come to Minnesota.
