Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future in Milwaukee is suddenly looking a lot less certain-and that’s sending ripples across the NBA. According to recent reports, both the Bucks and Giannis are open to exploring a potential trade, and as you’d expect, teams are lining up for a shot at the two-time MVP. The Miami Heat and New York Knicks have emerged as early frontrunners, but there’s another team quietly lurking in the shadows: the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Yes, the Timberwolves.
Minnesota has been aggressive in recent years when it comes to chasing superstar talent. They were in the mix for Kevin Durant not long ago, and that same mindset seems to be carrying over now.
The front office clearly believes they’re one major piece away from making a real run at a title. And when a player like Giannis hits the market-even hypothetically-you pick up the phone.
But here’s the challenge: actually landing Giannis is a whole different ballgame.
According to reporting from The Athletic’s Jon Krawczynski, the Timberwolves are expected to make a push if Antetokounmpo becomes truly available. That said, even their best offer might fall short of what Milwaukee would demand in return.
“If Giannis is really available, they're going to be trying to get in on him,” Krawczynski said on his podcast. “I think it's unlikely that they would get a deal done, but they would try.”
So what would a Minnesota package even look like?
To get in the conversation, the Timberwolves would almost certainly have to part with Jaden McDaniels-one of the league’s most promising young two-way forwards-and potentially someone like Julius Randle. That’s a hefty offer, but for a generational player like Giannis, it might not be enough to move the needle for the Bucks.
Milwaukee would likely want a mix of young talent and future draft picks to truly consider hitting the reset button. That’s where things could get complicated.
Enter the possibility of a third team.
If Minnesota can’t match the Bucks’ asking price on their own, involving a third team could be the key to unlocking a blockbuster deal. That kind of maneuvering isn’t easy, but it’s not out of the question-especially for a front office that’s shown it’s willing to swing big.
Still, the Timberwolves have to weigh the risk. They’ve made back-to-back trips to the Western Conference Finals, and Anthony Edwards is blossoming into a full-fledged superstar. He’s playing the best basketball of his young career, and the current roster around him has chemistry and continuity that shouldn’t be overlooked.
So the question becomes: is it worth breaking that up for one player, even if that player is Giannis?
There’s no denying what Antetokounmpo brings to the table-elite defense, elite scoring, and a relentless motor that changes the identity of any team he joins. But Minnesota has built something promising, and while adding Giannis could push them over the top, it could also cost them the depth and flexibility that got them this far.
For now, it’s just interest. But if the Bucks truly open the door, don’t be surprised if the Timberwolves come knocking. They’ve proven they’re not afraid to make bold moves-and this might be the boldest one yet.