As the NBA trade deadline looms, the buzz around Giannis Antetokounmpo has officially reached Minnesota-and Kendrick Perkins isn’t shy about where he stands.
The former Celtics big man and NBA champion made waves on Monday when he urged the Timberwolves to go all-in on a blockbuster deal for the two-time MVP. “If I’m the Timberwolves, I make that move,” Perkins said on ESPN’s Get Up, throwing his full weight behind the idea of pairing Giannis with rising superstar Anthony Edwards.
And he’s not alone. The idea of Giannis teaming up with Edwards has fans and analysts alike intrigued-because on paper, it’s a terrifying thought for the rest of the league.
Edwards is already blossoming into a top-tier two-way player, and adding Giannis to the mix could create one of the most dynamic duos in the NBA. We're talking about a physical, athletic pairing that could dominate both ends of the floor and give Minnesota a legitimate shot at championship contention.
Of course, the key word here is if. Antetokounmpo is currently sidelined with a calf strain, but when healthy, he’s been nothing short of elite this season.
In 30 games, he’s averaging 28.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game. What’s really eye-popping, though, is his efficiency-he’s shooting 64.5% from the field and 39.5% from beyond the arc.
That’s not just good; that’s MVP-level production with surgical precision.
His true shooting percentage sits at an absurd 67.9%, and even while carrying a heavy offensive load, Giannis hasn’t let his defensive presence slip-he’s still chipping in nearly a steal and a block per game.
Naturally, a player of that caliber draws interest. As the February 5 deadline approaches, Giannis’ name is being floated in connection with several teams, including the Knicks, Warriors, Heat, and yes, the Timberwolves.
Milwaukee has reportedly fielded offers, but they’re not rushing into anything. The Bucks are weighing their options, and understandably so-this is a franchise cornerstone we’re talking about.
Giannis is now in his 12th NBA season, and his résumé is already Hall of Fame material. Drafted 15th overall in 2013, he’s racked up over 21,000 points, nearly 9,000 rebounds, and more than 4,000 assists.
He’s a two-time MVP, a Defensive Player of the Year, a Finals MVP, and an NBA champion. And just this year, he was named an All-Star starter for the 10th time.
Even with the injury, Giannis remains one of the most dominant forces in the game-a player who can shift the balance of power overnight. For a team like Minnesota, which has built a strong foundation around Edwards and a tough, defensive-minded roster, adding a player like Giannis could be the move that takes them from playoff hopeful to legitimate title threat.
The Timberwolves are already having one of their best seasons in recent memory. But in a Western Conference that’s as deep and competitive as ever, the margin between a good team and a great one is razor-thin. If Giannis is truly available-and that’s still a big if-Minnesota has every reason to explore how far they’re willing to go to bring him in.
Because if you can pair a generational talent like Giannis with a rising star like Edwards, you don’t just make noise-you make history.