Leading up to the 2026 trade deadline, the Minnesota Timberwolves were rumored to be a team on Giannis Antetokounmpo's wish list in the case of a trade from the Milwaukee Bucks. For a deal to go through, Minnesota would almost certainly have to include forward Jaden McDaniels, the roster's best young player not named Anthony Edwards. Â
Although the Timberwolves were amenable to the idea at the deadline, McDaniels has looked indispensable in the postseason. With Edwards injured in the fist round, he played a central role in Minnesota's series win over the Nuggets.
If a McDaniels-based trade package was on the table before, it may be less likely now. From the Bucks' perspective, the answer is simple. No McDaniels? No dice.Â
McDaniels looks more valuable than ever for Minnesota
In Game 6 against Denver, McDaniels poured in 32 points to go with 10 rebounds, three assists, two steals, and a block (no turnovers). On defense, he made life miserable for Jamal Murray and other Nuggets ball handlers. Despite going ice-cold from three, he finished the six-game series averaging 17.8 points.
With Edwards out and Julius Randle struggling from the field, he was Minnesota's best player and the reason they put the Nuggets to bed early. In the clinching victory, he took the floor for all but three minutes. Next round, McDaniels dropped 16 in a Game 1 upset over the Spurs.
The Timberwolves' previous offer for Giannis would not have included much valuable draft capital. This summer, the Bucks can ask for more. Alongside additional assets, the Minnesota won't move McDaniels without a fight. Taking another step this season, he averaged career highs across the board, shot 41.2 percent from distance, and grew as a playmaker.Â
On top of that he is still just 25, but mature beyond his years. In consecutive Conference Finals runs, McDaniels took his game to another level. The rallying cry of Minnesota's sweep of the Suns in 2024 lives on. They've got Kevin Durant. We've got Jaden McDaniels.Â
Timberwolves can't craft viable deal without McDaniels
Whether this group can get over the hump this year could impact the decision, but when the Wolves sit down and think about it, McDaniels could be too precious to concede in a trade in addition to other high-value assets.Â
About that: Minnesota simply lacks the movable draft capital or young talent to assemble an appealing haul that excludes McDaniels. A deal built around Julius Randle and Terrance Shannon Jr. isn't going to cut it for a player of Giannis' caliber. Randle has one more year under contract, followed by a player option.Â
Former Bucks guard Donte DiVincenzo would have been semi-intriguing on an expiring deal, but he just tore his Achilles. His 2026-2027 salary might as well be dead money.
The Timberwolves don't have the first-round picks to make up for their dearth of prospects. On draft night, they will gain trade access to their picks in 2026 and 2033. Aside from that, they could only offer a 2028 first-round swap. Their 2032 pick is currently frozen.
The Bucks have already indicated they would require a blue-chip prospect in any move. Outside of McDaniels, the Timberwolves don't really have one. If they aren't willing to part with him, a deal isn't going to happen. The way McDaniels has shined once again in the playoffs, that might just be fine with Wolves fans.
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