Of all of the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade suitors, the Minnesota Timberwolves just might be the most desperate. Rightfully so. They clearly want to get a deal done before the NBA Trade Deadline, largely because it might be their only shot of getting him. If Giannis sticks in Milwaukee through the next day, Minnesota's odds of getting him plummet to near zero.
Timberwolves need to act fast if they want Giannis
Every rumored Giannis suitor is limited in how much they can offer right now. However, once the new offseason begins, those teams will suddenly gain access to more draft capital (more assets to throw at Milwaukee) due to NBA rules. Minnesota will have a better pitch to Milwaukee, but so will teams like the Miami Heat and New York Knicks. Minnesota needs to get this done now.
They are trying.
ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported that the Timberwolves are calling around the NBA in an effort to get other teams involved in their bid for Giannis. With no first-round picks to trade right now, Minnesota is stuck in the mud unless they get help. Whether they have to trade Jaden McDaniels, Julius Randle, Naz Reid, or anyone else on their roster, they have to do something if they want Giannis.
Minnesota's desperation should only increase due to the fact that Giannis seemingly would enjoy a move to the Timberwolves. Per NBA insider Chris Haynes, Giannis would be "thrilled" to team up with Minnesota All-Star Anthony Edwards. Not many stars, let alone superstars, have expressed interest in playing for Minnesota in recent memory. Just ask Kevin Durant. If one does, they have to pounce.
The thought of pairing their 24-year-old superstar with one of the other best players in the world has to be incredibly enticing for Minnesota.
As things stand, the Timberwolves might be a close second in pursuit of Giannis, but the Miami Heat are in the driver's seat. Unlike Minnesota, the Heat actually have draft capital at their disposal, which includes at least two first-round picks. That goes without mentioning the potential-filled young players they employ, such as Tyler Herro, Kel'el Ware, and more.
The Bucks, Heat, and Timberwolves will likely remain engaged until the trade deadline horn sounds. Minnesota will spend the next several hours calling around the NBA to see who will help them, leaving no stone unturned in the process as they try to beat out other interested suitors.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.