The Timberwolves have emerged as yet another potential trade suitor for Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks, but Milwaukee probably doesn't have real interest in sending Giannis to Minnesota. The Wolves probably won't be willing to offer a truly competitive package for Antetokounmpo, but the Bucks can still use their interest to drive up the bidding price amongst other teams who might be willing to give up more.
The Bucks are using the Wolves masterfully
Sending Giannis to the Wolves makes little sense considering his documented desire to stay in the East and the numerous suitors with competitive packages in the East too. But those teams won't give up their best assets for Giannis unless they face real pressure. Despite the Bucks' efforts to find a suitable trade destination for most of the last year, they haven't gotten a satisfactory offer yet.
Perhaps the looming threat of a Western conference team on the verge of championship contention acquiring Giannis would be enough for some other suitors to up the ante. Whether it's the alleged leading contender in the Heat or another team, the Bucks can walk away better from a Giannis trade by adding more teams into the mix.
Even though the Bucks' breakup with Giannis feels imminent and necessary at this point, Milwaukee should still do everything they can to guarantee the best return for the Greek Freak. Neither the franchise nor the superstar seem awfully happy to part ways and yet they both must realize it's time. However, that mutual hestitance should only serve to increase the requirements for a trade package before it's accepted.
Minnesota can still make themselves a legit Giannis contender
It's certainly not impossible for the Wolves to leapfrog some other teams and put themselves in position to land Antetokounmpo. If they were to include Jaden McDaniels along with other assets in a trade package, the Bucks would be very tempted to accept. But that's where the Bucks will run into some trouble.
McDaniels was instrumental to the Wolves' success this postseason, including his usual stalwart perimeter defense and expanding his role on offense. After a solid regular season, McDaniels increased his scoring output to 18 points per game in Minnesota's first-round series win against Denver. With Anthony Edwards banged up, McDaniels' surprising offensive outburst was a catalyst for an upset victory.
And he's still only 25 years old despite just completing his 6th season. McDaniels is exactly the type of young players the Bucks should target in a potential Giannis trade; he's still young but has proven star potential. If the Wolves can desperate enough to add him into a trade package, they will become far more than just decoys in the Giannis trade saga.
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