Brian Windhorst’s latest read on the LeBron James sweepstakes should give Timberwolves fans a little more hope.
Cleveland has looked like the team to beat for a return, but Windhorst said on ESPN Cleveland Radio that he’s hearing buzz pointing elsewhere.
"I'm hearing stuff in other cities too. I'm not gonna say who, but I had somebody on the phone with me today that I consider a good source who was swearing it's a done deal in another city," Windhorst said during an appearance on ESPN Cleveland Radio.
He didn’t name Minnesota, but the Timberwolves are still part of the mix for James. And if the Cavaliers are not the destination, that only helps Minnesota’s odds.
There’s still plenty of smoke around the idea of a Cleveland ending, the kind of storybook finish that would make sense for James’ career. But Windhorst’s comment at least opens the door wider for the Wolves.
Minnesota is not alone in this chase. The Philadelphia 76ers, Miami Heat and Golden State Warriors are also in the running for James’ services.
Miami has its own pitch, with the possibility of James teaming up with Giannis Antetokounmpo. Golden State offers the lure of playing alongside Steph Curry and Draymond Green, longtime friends who would make for an obvious draw.
Philadelphia, meanwhile, may look like the wild card, but the Sixers have a real need for another forward and appear positioned to compete in the East. LeBron’s connection with new lead exec Mike Gansey also stands out.
Still, there’s a strong basketball case for Minnesota. The Timberwolves would give James the best backcourt in the league in Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball, plus two elite defenders in Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert.
As the roster stands now, Minnesota clearly needs another forward next to McDaniels, and James would slide into that spot naturally.
The other landing spots all come with obvious questions. Golden State, even with James, doesn’t look like a true West contender.
Philadelphia has too many ball-dominant pieces. Miami lacks perimeter creation.
Cleveland, for all the romance, has no on-ball stoppers.
Minnesota doesn’t have the sentimental pull of Cleveland, and the West could be a tougher sell. But if James is headed somewhere other than home, the Timberwolves are very much in the conversation.
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