Timberwolves Eyeing Giannis as Trade Deadline Nears - But Is Chris Finch’s Seat Heating Up?
With the NBA trade deadline just around the corner, all eyes are on the Minnesota Timberwolves - and for good reason. After a quiet stretch, the Wolves made noise on Tuesday with a move that could be the first domino in a much bigger plan. Minnesota sent veteran point guard Mike Conley to Chicago and included a pick swap with Detroit, clearing up cap space and creating flexibility for what could be a blockbuster acquisition: Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Yes, that Giannis.
The Wolves’ interest in the two-time MVP isn’t new, but it’s definitely heating up. According to league insider Darren Wolfson, Minnesota has been locked in on Giannis for some time, and they’re not seriously entertaining many other options. The front office is reportedly going all-in - with one major caveat: Anthony Edwards is off the table.
That’s a clear message from the Wolves. Edwards is their franchise cornerstone, and they’re looking to build around him, not replace him.
Pairing Ant with Giannis? That’s the kind of one-two punch that could reshape the Western Conference.
Wolves Waiting on Milwaukee
The big question now is what Milwaukee decides to do. Will the Bucks move Giannis before Thursday’s 2 p.m. CST deadline, or will they wait until the offseason to make a franchise-altering decision?
Minnesota’s front office is staying ready. Wolfson also mentioned that Portland could be a potential trade partner in a multi-team scenario to make the numbers - and the pieces - work. The Wolves have positioned themselves to strike if the Bucks decide to open the door.
KD Said No - But Not Because of Ant
In the middle of all the Giannis buzz, a surprising nugget surfaced about another NBA superstar. According to Wolfson, Kevin Durant had the chance to join the Timberwolves last offseason but vetoed the deal. And no - it wasn’t about the cold weather or a lack of belief in Anthony Edwards.
The holdup? Chris Finch.
Wolfson said Durant had "trepidation" about playing for the Timberwolves’ head coach. That’s a rare stance in today’s league, where Finch is generally respected and has helped guide Minnesota to one of its most competitive stretches in years.
But for a player like KD to pass on teaming up with Ant because of coaching concerns? That’s worth paying attention to.
Is Finch’s Job on the Line?
The timing of that Durant revelation is interesting - especially considering how the Wolves have looked lately. After a strong start to the season, Minnesota has hit some turbulence. Monday night’s loss to a struggling Memphis Grizzlies squad - who had dropped seven straight before that game - was a low point.
When Finch met with the media postgame, he didn’t sugarcoat the team’s lack of effort.
“Ask them. It’s on them.
They gotta come and put the work in. It can’t be a sometimes thing.”
That’s a coach searching for answers - and maybe even sending a message. The Wolves have shown flashes of greatness this season, but consistency has been elusive. Defensive lapses, stretches of poor competitiveness, and a lack of urgency have raised eyebrows.
It’s fair to ask: Is Chris Finch coaching for his job?
There’s no official word on that front, but the whispers are growing louder. With ownership duo Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore now firmly in control, and President of Basketball Operations Tim Connelly calling the shots, the pressure to win - and win big - is rising.
And it’s worth noting: Finch wasn’t their hire. He was brought in by former executive Gersson Rosas, who’s no longer with the organization.
The Bigger Picture
This is a pivotal moment for the Timberwolves. They’ve got a superstar in Edwards, a front office willing to make bold moves, and an ownership group hungry to build a contender. The pursuit of Giannis signals that Minnesota isn’t content with just being good - they want to be great.
But greatness in the NBA often comes with tough decisions. If the Wolves land Giannis, expectations will skyrocket overnight. And if they don’t, the pressure to make something happen with the current roster - or shake things up on the sidelines - will only intensify.
The next 48 hours could define the Timberwolves’ trajectory for years to come. Whether it’s a blockbuster trade or a coaching decision down the line, Minnesota is at a crossroads. And the rest of the league is watching closely.