The Minnesota Timberwolves’ offseason became an immediate talking point after they were eliminated by the San Antonio Spurs last Friday in the conference semifinals.
That exit has reopened focus on whether Minnesota needs another major swing around Anthony Edwards to keep pace in a loaded Western Conference.
The Athletic has reported that they are expected to make another attempt for Giannis Antetokounmpo, and NBC Sports has now added detail on the likely price.
Milwaukee Bucks expected to ask Minnesota Timberwolves for major Giannis Antetokounmpo package
According to NBC Sports, Milwaukee would likely ask for Jaden McDaniels, a matching salary and draft picks before seriously negotiating a Giannis deal with Minnesota.
The salary part is significant. Julius Randle, at US$ 33 million, or Rudy Gobert, at US$ 36.5 million, are seen as the most likely matching pieces.
A third team could also be needed to add picks and help make the wider structure work, which shows how complicated any blockbuster move would become.
The biggest question may be McDaniels. NBC Sports noted that he and Naz Reid are viewed as core parts of Minnesota’s identity, alongside Edwards and Joan Beringer. That makes the decision difficult.
Antetokounmpo reportedly has interest in playing alongside Edwards, which gives Minnesota a real reason to explore the idea.
Still, the Timberwolves would have to decide how much of their defensive identity they are willing to sacrifice, since McDaniels is central to that balance.
Minnesota clearly wants to hunt bigger. Yet landing Giannis would not simply mean adding a superstar, it would mean reshaping the core Edwards currently leads.
