NBA Trade Deadline Watch: Cavs, Warriors, and Timberwolves All Circling Big Moves - With Giannis at the Center
We’re officially in the thick of trade deadline season, and the buzz around the league is getting louder by the hour. Three teams - the Cavaliers, Warriors, and Timberwolves - are making noise, and while each situation is unique, there’s one name that keeps popping up across the board: Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Let’s break down what’s going on behind the scenes and why these three teams are worth keeping a close eye on.
Cavaliers: Cap Gymnastics with Bigger Ambitions?
The Cavaliers are playing the numbers game right now - and not just the kind that shows up in box scores. Cleveland is working the phones with a clear goal: get under the second tax apron. That might sound like a minor bookkeeping move, but it could unlock a much bigger door.
If the Cavs can offload Lonzo Ball’s contract - along with a minimum-salary deal - and duck under that second apron, they’d regain the ability to aggregate salaries in trades. Translation: they could package multiple contracts together in deals, giving them far more flexibility both now and during the offseason.
And that’s where things get interesting.
Rival executives around the league are starting to wonder: is this just cap maneuvering, or is Cleveland quietly setting the stage for something seismic? Specifically, could the Cavs make a late run at Giannis Antetokounmpo?
Yes, it’s a long shot. No, there’s no indication the Cavs are actively shopping Evan Mobley - who would almost certainly have to be the centerpiece of any such deal. And yes, any trade for a two-time MVP like Giannis would require a mountain of draft capital on top of a young star.
But the fact that league insiders are even floating the possibility says a lot. The Cavs’ financial moves are being watched closely, and when that happens this close to the deadline, it usually means something is brewing.
Warriors: Kuminga’s Market Shrinks - Unless Giannis Is in Play
Out in Golden State, the Warriors are facing a different kind of challenge. Jonathan Kuminga’s trade market has narrowed considerably. At this point, the only teams with known interest are the Bucks and Wizards - and that’s assuming a very specific scenario plays out.
If the Bucks decide to move Antetokounmpo before Thursday’s deadline (again, a big “if”), Kuminga could become part of a blockbuster deal. But with the Kings now out of the running after acquiring De’Andre Hunter, the Warriors' options for moving Kuminga are limited.
So unless Milwaukee shocks the league and puts Giannis on the move this week, expect Kuminga to stay put through the deadline. Any major decisions involving the young forward may have to wait until the summer.
Timberwolves: Aggressive and Ambitious - With Giannis or Without
No team is pushing harder right now than the Timberwolves.
Minnesota is reportedly one of the most aggressive teams in the league when it comes to trade talks - and they’re not hiding it. Ownership, led by Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez, has made it clear they want to make a splash. And what bigger splash is there than pairing Giannis Antetokounmpo with Anthony Edwards?
That’s the dream scenario. But even if the Wolves can’t pry Giannis away from Milwaukee, they’ve got a Plan B in the works.
If the Antetokounmpo pursuit falls short, Minnesota is expected to pivot toward upgrading at point guard. The front office is exploring multiple avenues to strengthen the roster, and it’s clear they’re not content with standing pat - not with the West as wide open as it’s been in years.
The Common Thread: Giannis at the Center of the Deadline Storm
While each of these teams is approaching the deadline from a different angle, the gravitational pull of Giannis Antetokounmpo is undeniable. Whether it’s Cleveland quietly preparing for a cap-clearing move, Golden State keeping Kuminga in play for a potential blockbuster, or Minnesota going all-in for a superstar pairing - the league’s biggest names are watching the Bucks’ situation closely.
Now, it’s worth remembering: there’s been no indication from Milwaukee that they’re looking to move Giannis before the deadline. But the fact that his name keeps surfacing in serious trade conversations tells you everything you need to know about how much teams are willing to gamble for a shot at a generational talent.
The next few days could be quiet. Or they could reshape the NBA landscape for years to come.
Stay tuned.