As the NBA trade deadline inches closer, the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes are heating up-or maybe cooling off, depending on who you ask. For Minnesota Timberwolves fans hoping to see the two-time MVP in a Wolves jersey, the latest developments offer more questions than answers.
Let’s start with the Golden State Warriors, who just made a move that all but takes them out of the Giannis conversation. By sending Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Kristaps Porzingis, the Warriors have pivoted in a different direction.
According to NBA insider Shams Charania, Golden State had been actively pursuing Giannis, even making a pick-heavy offer last week. But after ongoing talks with the Milwaukee Bucks, the Warriors came to believe that Milwaukee isn’t moving Giannis before Thursday’s 3 p.m.
ET deadline.
That’s not an official declaration from the Bucks, but it’s a significant signal. The Warriors are out, and that’s one fewer contender for Giannis.
On the surface, that might seem like good news for Minnesota. But the reality is more complicated.
Shams didn’t say the Bucks won’t trade Giannis-only that the Warriors believe they won’t. And that’s a crucial distinction.
The Bucks are clearly sending mixed signals, and other reports back that up. Marc Stein recently noted that Milwaukee may be hoping a little lottery luck can help convince Giannis to stay long-term.
Meanwhile, Brian Windhorst has said there’s no real momentum toward a trade happening before the deadline.
So where does that leave Minnesota? Still in the race, technically-but barely.
The Timberwolves have been navigating a tricky path ever since rumors of their interest surfaced. After moving Mike Conley and getting under the first tax apron, they’ve opened up some flexibility.
But flexibility doesn’t equal firepower, and when it comes to assets, the Wolves are still limited-especially in the draft capital department.
That’s a problem if the Bucks are prioritizing picks in any potential post-Giannis rebuild, which seems likely. The Wolves would almost certainly need a third team to step in and help facilitate a deal.
The Portland Trail Blazers have been floated as a potential partner. But even with a third team, Minnesota would need to make tough decisions-namely, parting with key pieces like Jaden McDaniels and Julius Randle.
Now, if this drags into the offseason, the landscape changes. Minnesota will gain access to two additional first-round picks, which could make a deal more viable.
But they won’t be the only team in that position. Other franchises will also have more assets to work with come summer, and competition for Giannis could get even stiffer.
So yes, it’s a little deflating for Wolves fans. Earlier in the week, there was a sense-however faint-that something big might be brewing. But with the Warriors bowing out and the Bucks holding firm (for now), the odds of a blockbuster deal before the deadline are dwindling.
Still, this is the NBA. Things can shift in a heartbeat.
One phone call, one late-night negotiation, and everything changes. For now, Minnesota’s dream isn’t dead-but it’s definitely on life support.