Jaden McDaniels is putting together the best season of his career-and he’s doing it with efficiency and poise on both ends of the floor. Averaging 14.8 points on a scorching 51.1% from the field, 44% from deep, and 84.7% from the line, McDaniels has quietly become one of the most reliable two-way wings in the league.
In Minnesota’s recent statement win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, he poured in 21 points on 8-of-11 shooting while continuing to anchor the Timberwolves’ perimeter defense. It was yet another reminder of just how valuable he is to this surging Wolves team.
But McDaniels’ name is surfacing in headlines for more than just his play. The Timberwolves are reportedly one of the most aggressive teams in the mix for Giannis Antetokounmpo, and any realistic deal would likely require McDaniels to be part of the package.
One potential scenario has McDaniels landing in Portland, with the Trail Blazers sending picks and salary filler to Milwaukee, while the Bucks receive Julius Randle alongside the draft capital. That’s a hefty price tag for Minnesota-and it’s not just about the numbers.
According to reporting from The Stein Line, McDaniels was previously labeled untouchable by the Wolves-even when Kevin Durant showed interest in a potential move to Minnesota to team up with Anthony Edwards. But when a generational talent like Giannis becomes available, the calculus changes. The Wolves may be willing to reconsider.
And it’s hard to blame them. Pairing Giannis with Edwards would instantly make Minnesota one of the most formidable duos in the league.
Edwards is blossoming into a superstar, and adding a two-time MVP who still dominates both ends of the floor is an opportunity that doesn’t come around often. But that doesn’t mean it’s a simple yes.
McDaniels isn’t just a throw-in. He’s 25, still developing, and already one of the league’s most versatile defenders.
He guards multiple positions, spaces the floor, and doesn’t need the ball to make an impact. Players like that are rare.
Trading him-and Randle, your second-best player-for Giannis might make sense on paper, but it also strips away much of the depth and defensive identity that’s made the Wolves a contender in the first place.
Minnesota is already thin at point guard and lacks bench scoring. A Giannis trade won’t fix that.
In fact, it could create more holes-especially on the wing, where McDaniels has been a stabilizing force. And while the idea of Ant-Giannis is electrifying, history has shown that star pairings alone don’t guarantee success.
Just ask the Suns, Nets, or Clippers. In today’s NBA, depth, chemistry, and flexibility matter just as much as star power.
There’s also the financial side. Giannis would be joining Edwards as a second supermax player, which limits roster-building options moving forward.
And at 31, with a growing injury history-including his current calf issue-Giannis doesn’t come without risk. Big men often don’t age gracefully, and the Wolves would be going all-in on a narrow championship window.
Then there’s the human element. McDaniels and Edwards came into the league together in 2020.
They’ve grown up side by side in Minnesota, and their bond is real. After the OKC win, Edwards once again made it clear, calling McDaniels his “favorite player in the league.”
That’s not just locker room talk-it speaks to the culture Minnesota has built, and what they might be giving up if they break up that core.
No doubt, Edwards would welcome the chance to compete for a title with Giannis. But if it costs him his closest teammate and a key part of the Wolves’ identity? That’s a harder sell.
Until a deal happens-or doesn’t-the Timberwolves will remain in the Giannis conversation. But make no mistake: if McDaniels is the price, Minnesota needs to think long and hard.
This isn’t just about landing a superstar. It’s about what you’re giving up to get him-and whether the tradeoff is really worth it.