Timberwolves Eyeing the Biggest Fish: Giannis Antetokounmpo on Their Radar
The Minnesota Timberwolves are sitting near the top of the Western Conference standings, but if you think that means they’re content, think again. President of Basketball Operations Tim Connelly has made it clear through his actions - not his words - that he’s still hunting for a blockbuster. And now, the Wolves are reportedly turning their attention to one of the NBA’s most dominant forces: Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Yes, that Giannis. Two-time MVP.
Nine-time All-Star. 2021 NBA champion.
A 7-footer with the handles of a guard and the motor of a freight train. According to Chris Haynes of NBA on Prime, the Timberwolves are among a handful of teams expressing interest in the Milwaukee Bucks superstar.
Haynes dropped the report during Prime Video’s NBA Cup broadcast, listing the Knicks, Heat, Warriors, Spurs - and, almost as an afterthought - the Timberwolves as teams keeping tabs on the situation. It’s the first time Minnesota has been linked to Antetokounmpo on a national broadcast, and even if it’s just a whisper, it’s a notable one.
A Shift in Target: From Guards to a Greek Freak
Over the past few months, the Timberwolves have been tied to a string of high-profile guards. Kyrie Irving and Ja Morant have reportedly drawn interest. There was even buzz about a potential trade for Coby White of the Bulls, though that door was quickly shut by local insiders.
But this latest rumor marks a dramatic pivot - from flashy guards to a generational frontcourt talent. Giannis doesn’t just handle the ball; he dominates with it. And for a Wolves team that already boasts a rising superstar in Anthony Edwards and a defensive anchor in Rudy Gobert, adding Giannis would be a seismic shift.
Now, let’s be clear: this isn’t a done deal, or even close. Haynes emphasized that Antetokounmpo’s top priorities include contending for a title, playing in a big market, and - yes - enjoying some sunshine. Minneapolis in December doesn’t exactly check that last box.
“For Giannis, wherever he lands, I think preferably he’d like to have some sun. He would like to be probably in a big market. Outside of that, he just wants to be on a team where he can contend for a championship,” Haynes said during the broadcast.
That’s a tall order. But if winning is truly at the top of Giannis’ list, the Timberwolves might have more to offer than people think.
Timberwolves Showing Their Teeth - Even Without Ant
Just one night before the Giannis rumor surfaced, Minnesota pulled off an impressive 127-120 road win over the Golden State Warriors - and they did it without Anthony Edwards, who sat out with a lingering foot injury.
In Edwards’ absence, Julius Randle stepped up in a major way, dropping 27 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists. Donte DiVincenzo added 21 points and 6 boards, while Rudy Gobert continued his strong season with a 24-point, 14-rebound double-double.
That kind of depth and resilience is exactly what makes Minnesota an intriguing destination. They’re not just a one-man show. They’ve got a core that can compete - and the front office is clearly looking to add another star, not subtract one.
Is Giannis to Minnesota Realistic?
Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Giannis is still under contract in Milwaukee, and there’s no indication the Bucks are actively shopping him. But the fact that Minnesota was even mentioned in this conversation is telling.
Connelly has been aggressive since taking over basketball operations. He’s not afraid to swing big - just look at the Gobert trade. And while the pursuit of Kevin Durant reportedly fell short in the offseason, it hasn’t stopped him from continuing the search for a transformative deal.
So could Giannis be next? It’s a long shot, sure. But the Wolves are in the conversation, and that alone speaks volumes about how far this franchise has come.
The Bottom Line
Minnesota isn’t chasing stars for the sake of headlines - they’re chasing banners. With Anthony Edwards blossoming into a bona fide superstar and the team showing it can win tough games without him, the Wolves are in a position of strength.
They’re not desperate. They’re calculated.
And if Giannis Antetokounmpo really is looking for a new home where he can contend right away, he might want to take a long, hard look at the team up north. The weather might not be ideal, but the basketball? It’s heating up fast.