They’re in. They’re out. They’re in. They’re out. They’re in?
This is the dizzying experience that the Minnesota Timberwolves’ fan base is going through with their pursuit of Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. There seem to be daily conflicting reports on whether Minnesota has a chance to get the two-time MVP.
Count Ramona Shelburne of ESPN as someone who believes the Timberwolves are still in the hunt.
“For Minnesota, Ant-Man has had success in the playoffs, but not gotten over the hump,” Shelbourne said, “and you're on the clock with a superstar of that caliber in his 20s. That is a pairing they have long looked at.”
Shelbourne lists the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics as the two other major suitors for The Greek Freak. A resolution may be around the corner as the first round of the NBA Draft is tomorrow (Tuesday) evening.
Still, Marc Stein believes that the Wolves are out on Giannis. These conflicting reports don't add much clarity and we might not get true clarity on the Wolves' true involvement until a move happens.
Do the Wolves have a shot at Giannis?
The Timberwolves were reportedly interested in acquiring Giannis at last season’s trade deadline in February. The Bucks, of course, instead held on to him, knowing that certain teams would be able to offer more in the offseason.
Anthony Edwards turns 25 on August 5. He likely hasn’t even reached the ultimate peak of his playing career, so there shouldn’t be a rush to get the near 30-point per-game scorer a ring.
Now, he hasn’t truly hinted at thinking of leaving, but it always has to be a concern if the Timberwolves can’t take that next step. Without knowing what’s going on inside the organization, perhaps Edwards has made it clear to Tim Connelly and the front office that he wants to team with Antetokounmpo.
What the Wolves would have to give up isn’t exactly known. Jaden McDaniels has been reported to be seen as nearly untouchable, but it may be hard to make a deal without him being included. Ant and McDaniels have been extremely close as teammates for now six years, with both joining Minnesota as rookies in the 2020-21 season.
Acquiring Giannis certainly has its risks. He turns 32 on December 6, and he has experienced his fair share of lower-body injuries in recent years. The 36 games that he appeared in last season are easily a career low. Depending on what Minnesota has to give up, their depth may also be compromised, and they’ll already be without Donte DiVincenzo for a while.
Fans of the Wolves probably don’t know what to think anymore about their team’s chances to trade for Giannis. If he’s not traded by the draft, we may have more weeks (or even months!) of trade rumors revolving around Antetokounmpo.
