Minnesota Timberwolves Rumors - MinnesotaSportsFan

Suns Asking Price for Kevin Durant Revealed for Timberwolves

Ezra Greenman — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 13:59:06 +0000

Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The 2024-25 Minnesota Timberwolves are on a roll, riding high on a five-game winning streak that has them just 0.5 games behind Golden State for the 6th seed in the Western Conference, and 5.5 games behind 2nd seed Denver, who they will play on the road Wednesday night.

Thus, it might be a bit early to start thinking about what projects to be a very intriguing offseason for this organization. Nonetheless, there are some bits of news that need to be addressed, no matter the time of year, especially when it addresses rumors of a possible Kevin Durant trade.

Kevin Durant is easily one of the greatest scorers the game has ever seen, and there’s no doubt he’s a first-ballot Hall of Famer. For the past year — in large part thanks to his budding relationship with Wolves superstar Anthony Edwards — there has been chatter of a possible match between the Suns and Timberwolves, as trade partners in a deal that would include Durant.

How much will Kevin Durant cost the Minnesota Timberwolves in a trade?

Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

In fact, post NBA trade deadline reports revealed recently that Minnesota got closer to trading for Durant earlier this month, than what was originally thought. We know KD wasn’t happy about being kicked around in trade talks, even using his no-trade clause to veto a deal that would have landed him back in Golden State.

But on Monday, Suns insider Duane Rankin (The Arizona Republic), reported that Durant has all but accepted the reality of an offseason trade this summer/fall. Then, Rankins revealed Phoenix’s “ideal” asking price for Kevin Durant, when that time comes — (3) first round picks and a young player

Sources informed The Arizona Republic that Durant’s camp was upset Phoenix put him in trade talks before the 2025 deadline last month as he rejected a move back to Golden State where he won back-to-back NBA titles and finals MVPs.

However, between the Suns having already looked to move Durant, him publicly saying he understood it and his camp taking issue with those talks, it’s hard to see him staying in Phoenix beyond this season.

Sources informed The Republic the most ideal return on a Durant trade is regaining three first-round picks and a young player as part of a multi-team deal tied to getting under the second apron.
Duane Rankin – azcentral.com

Whoa… that’s a lot of draft picks

Three first round picks seems like an awfully steep price to pay for a 36-year-old former MVP, especially when you consider the lack of future draft capital the Minnesota Timberwolves have at their disposal:

2025 1st Round Pick — from Detroit (protected 1-13)
2026 1st Round Pick Swap — Jazz
2028 1st Round Pick
2030 1st Round Pick Swap — Spurs.

The Timberwolves have a shot at making this deal happen, maybe by including a young player like Terrance Shannon Jr, Rob Dillingham, or Jaylen Clark. But if the Suns stick to their guns, I can’t imagine a scenario where Kevin Durant lands in Minnesota for three first round picks, plus more.

Still, seeing Kevin Durant finish his legendary career in Minnesota would be something special. Even at this stage in his career, his box scores have yet to slow down. KD is still putting up 26.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game.

Pairing Anthony Edwards with his basketball idol would give the MN Timberwolves one of the best frontcourts in the league and put them in the conversation for the 2025-26 NBA Finals. So… stay tuned.

More must-reads:

Top ESPN Insider Pushing More Kevin Durant to Minnesota Steam

Ted Schwerzler — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 20:00:29 +0000

Joe Camporeale-Imagn ImagesJoe Camporeale-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Timberwolves watched the NBA trade deadline come and go without making any moves. Their big trade came before the season, when president of basketball operations Tim Connelly shocked the basketball world by sending Karl-Anthony Towns to New York, in return for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo.

That doesn’t mean the unpredictable Wolves PoBO wasn’t trying to be active at the deadline, though. According to reports that broke in the days following the deadline, we found out that Tim got way closer than most thought, in trying to swing a last-second deal to land Kevin Durant.

Ultimately, the deal could not be consummated. Nonetheless, steam has continued to percolate surrounding arguably the greatest all-around shooter in NBA history, and where he will play in 2025-26. There are other teams rumored to be interested in Durant, but one thing seems to be for sure. He won’t be in Phoenix after this season.

More Kevin Durant to Minnesota Timberwolves steam…

There are a lot of plugged in reporters who cover the National Basketball Association, but few insiders are more connected than ESPN’s Brian Windhorst. That’s why it was very notable on Thursday morning, when Mr. Finger-Waving Meme himself made a point on ESPN’s Get Up to mention the Minnesota Timberwolves as a “small-market team to watch” in the Kevin Durant sweepstakes this offseason.

.@WindhorstESPN says the Timberwolves may try to pair Kevin Durant and Anthony Edwards together this offseason 😯 pic.twitter.com/4YHvakFCil
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) March 6, 2025

“Another small-market team to watch, Minnesota Timberwolves. Ant Edwards and KD, very tight connection. Which, also from the Olympics. The Timberwolves tried to pull off a crazy trade at the deadline for KD. Look for them to revisit those talks this summer.”
Brian Windhorst (ESPN)

A deal for Kevin Durant would have to involve Julius Randle being shipped out. In all likelihood, the real toll that will be paid for Durant will be a promising rookie like Rob Dillingham and/or established talent like Jaden McDaniels.

While adding Kevin Durant would make the Minnesota Timberwolves an immediate title contender, that is still a steep price to pay for a 37-year-old aging superstar, with limited time remaining on his very expensive deal.

What does Kevin Durant have left in the tank?

KD isn’t just any aging veteran, though. He’s a future Hall of Fame, with a pair of NBA Championship rings. Not only that, but he is the idol of Wolves rising superstar Anthony Edwards, who could use some offensive help on the floor and just as much mentoring off of it.

Credit: John David Mercer-Imagn Images

Through 49 games this season, Kevin Durant is averaging 26.9 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game. If KD is on the decline, don’t tell that to his 36.8 minutes per game this season, which remains nearly the exact same as his career average (36.7 MPG). In fact, all of his averages this season are consistent with his career numbers.

As of now anyway, Durant remains every bit the superstar he has always been. The problem in Phoenix this season surround poor roster, not a decline in Kevin Durant’s play. Fortunately for the Timberwolves, who have their own luxury tax issues, they may be able to benefit from the Suns’ front office missteps.

Durant to MN Timberwolves would give Anthony Edwards a real running mate

If there’s a way to motivate Anthony Edwards to another level, involving one of his favorite players is probably a good plan. Edwards has not been shy about his affinity towards Durant, and the two have shared some big moments. Edwards made his presence felt against the Suns in the playoffs last season, and the two shared a uniform for Team USA.

“That’s my GOAT.” 👀@theantedwards_ shares what it was like going back and forth with @KDTrey5 in the Playoffs. pic.twitter.com/bjcw5nc5o5
— UNINTERRUPTED (@uninterrupted) March 2, 2025

Anthony Edwards is averaging a career-high 27.5 points per game this season. He is shooting 43.9% from the field and 40.6% from deep. His 10.2 three-point attempts per game are a career-high, and he has taken the deep shot ability to a new level.

Paired with Durant during a full season, the duo could easily feed off one another. Durant’s experience and veteran presence would certainly elevate the roster as a whole. If the Timberwolves could net him without losing Naz Reid or Jaden McDaniels, the rotation remains in a really great spot as well.

It’s not often that a Minnesota team gets to lean into superstar trade possibilities, but this is one that makes sense and would be a lot of fun. After coming close to the NBA Finals last season, a return trip would be the bar if Durant is on the roster.

More must-reads:

Report: Timberwolves Big Man Seeking New Contract This Offseason

Mason Klemm — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 23:15:09 +0000

Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

It’s been an up-and-down season thus far for the Minnesota Timberwolves. They sit seventh in the Western conference. The Wolves have lost four of their last five games, including both since the All-Star break.

Additionally, the acquisition of Julius Randle has not been as impactful as they’d hoped. That’s partly because he’s been out for the past month with a groin injury. Their other offseason acquisition, Donte DiVincenzo, has also been out since Jan. 15 with turf toe.

However, this season has shown the Minnesota Timberwolves the value of their younger players. Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Jaylen Clark and Naz Reid have all flashed signs of stardom in the wake of injuries to the starting lineup. In particular, Reid has improved upon his Sixth Man of the Year numbers from last season. He’s averaging 14.7 points and 5.8 rebounds on 40% shooting from three, but the Wolves may be in danger of losing him.

Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Cap strategists predict Naz Reid will test free agency

According to “The Stein Line’s” Jake Fischer, rival teams’ cap strategists think it’s in Randle’s best interest to pick up his player option for next season. He’s battled injuries both this season and last, and has also seen his production falter since joining the Minnesota Timberwolves. His 18.9 points per game are his fewest since 2017-18 when he was with the Lakers.

This leads Fischer to believe that teams won’t match Randle’s $30.9 million option in free agency, and he will re-sign in MN. If that’s the case, it leaves the cap-strapped Wolves with nearly no room to negotiate a contract for Naz Reid. He has a player option for next season, but Fischer says he’s in search of a more lucrative, long-term deal.

You can’t move Naz Reid back to the bench when the starting lineup is healthy

As a starter (10 games): 20.1 PPG (46.6 FG%, 35.4 3P%), 8.9 REB, 3.3 AST, 1.7 BLK, 0.6 STL
pic.twitter.com/cxFS5oNwRn
— Timberwolves Talk (@LetsTalk_Wolves) February 24, 2025

Thus, the strategists consider it likely that Reid will turn down his $15 million option for next season. This would be bad news for the Minnesota Timberwolves, as Reid has filled the role that had been missing after trading KAT. Since being put into the starting lineup, Reid is averaging 20.1 points and 8.9 rebounds a game. His ability to play inside and on the perimeter as a big man is necessary in today’s NBA.

Still, it’s not a foregone conclusion that Reid will leave. As Fischer reports, teams that were previously interested in him (such as the Cavaliers and Mavericks) have since signed other guys to their front-courts. Now, they may not want to take Reid on such a big contract. Re-signing Reid is a priority for the Wolves, so the expectation is that they will consider continuing their relationship beyond this season.

Minnesota Timberwolves may lose another key role player

While Reid has an option to mull over this offseason, Nickeil Alexander-Walker will be an unrestricted free agent. The lockdown defender will be 27 next year, and league executives believe he may garner a $20 million per year contract. This would price him out of the Wolves if they hope to keep both him and Reid beyond this season. The Wolves are already paying substantial money to Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels.

Alexander-Walker has become an integral piece since being traded to Minnesota in 2022. He helped the Wolves make the Western Conference Finals last season with his stellar 3-and-D play. This year, he’s provided much of the same, improving on last year’s scoring numbers to average 9.1 points on 40% shooting from three.

NICKEIL ALEXANDER-WALKER THE MAN THAT YOU ARE. pic.twitter.com/tNNT9OcixT
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) February 24, 2025

He offers a similar skillset to McDaniels (with better efficiency), so the Wolves have loved bringing him off the bench to backup the younger guard. Losing Nickeil Alexander-Walker would hurt the Wolves tremendously, as his growth has been a welcome surprise to the team.

However, the emergence of Jaylen Clark has provided a glimmer of hope for the Minnesota Timberwolves in a post-NAW world. In just 16 games, including two as a starter, Clark is averaging 5.1 points on 46% shooting. He’s also averaging a steal per game to go along with it. He fell hard last night against the Thunder and had to exit the game, but concussion tests came back negative. Notably, he had 14 points and four steals before leaving.

More must-reads:

Report: Kevin Garnett to Join Timberwolves Immediately Upon Ownership Change

Eric Strack — Sun, 23 Feb 2025 16:04:23 +0000

Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Timberwolves will play the 58th game of their 2024-25 season on Sunday night at home vs the Oklahoma City Thunder. For now, Glen Taylor remains the majority owner of the 36-year-old NBA organization, but that looks like it will change very, very soon.

If the next handful of weeks play out as expected — meaning Glen Taylor doesn’t appeal his lost arbitration decision and the NBA board of governors approves billionaire Marc Lore within the expected timeline (more on that below) — then the Minnesota Timberwolves will have a new majority owner by playoff time.

“Big Ticket” start to new Minnesota Timberwolves era…

Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-Imagn Images

When that day does come, and Lore + A-Rod take over control of the Minnesota Timberwolves, we can expect some splash moves that are sure to excite the fanbase. But on Sunday morning, longtime local insider Charley Walters (Pioneer Press) gave us a sneak peak into what is likely to be the first “shock and awe” move of the Lore/A-Rod era. And boy oh boy, it’s a doozie.

According to Walters, Wolves legend Kevin Garnett will be hired to work in the Wolves’ front office immediately upon Lore’s majority ownership being made official. This, after he has mostly avoided Target Center for the last decade due to his unyielding hatred for Glen Taylor.

“A little birdie says Kevin Garnett will become part of the Timberwolves’ front office as soon as it’s official that Lore and Rodriguez get ownership.”
Charley Walters – Pioneer Press

Kevin Garnett finally rejoining Wolves for good

Kevin Garnett spent the first 12 seasons of his HOF career with the Minnesota Timberwolves, from 1995 to 2007, stands as the greatest player in franchise history. Anthony Edwards is the only superstar who has come along and even challenged Garnett for that crown.

As a Wolf, “The Big Ticket” averaged 19.8 points, 11.0 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.6 blocks per game, leading the Timberwolves to eight consecutive playoff appearances (1997-2004). In 2004, KG won the NBA MVP, after averaging 24.2 points, 13.9 rebounds, and 5.0 assists that season.

“Dad how good was Kevin Garnett in a Timberwolves jersey?” pic.twitter.com/6RLycvUVTI
— 🌲🐺 (@minnyshowtime) June 30, 2024

Kevin Garnett was named to 9 All-Star teams, 7 All-NBA selections (four First Team, two Second Team, and one Third Team) and 8 All-Defensive Teams (six First Team, two Second Team). His No. 21 jersey was retired by the Timberwolves in 2022.

Expect to see the Kevin Garnett No. 21 jersey raised up too

Unfortunately, thanks to his ongoing beef with Glen Taylor, he’s refused any and all requests to put that jersey up in the rafters of Target Center, where it rightfully belongs. Once Taylor is out, we can expect No. 21 to go up in the rafters almost as quickly as Garnett himself is back in Minnesota Timberwolves facilities.

We do not know exactly when NBA owners will meet next, when a MN Timberwolves majority ownership change is expected to be on the docket. Darren “Doogie” Wolfson reports that late-March would be the earliest. The season ends on April 13, meaning we can expect the vote to take place sometime in the next 1-2 months.

Last year, the 2023-24 end-of-season board of governors meeting took place on the weekend of April 8. To officially pry ownership out of Glen Taylor’s arthritis-ridden fingers, the Lore + A-Rod group needs a 3/4 approval vote from the 30 NBA owners. All reports so far have them reaching the 23 votes they need.

More must-reads:

Timberwolves’ Pursuit of Kevin Durant Far From Over

Eric Strack — Wed, 12 Feb 2025 18:28:15 +0000

John David Mercer-Imagn Images

After the Trade Deadline came and went last week without even a whimper from the Minnesota Timberwolves, fans are wondering what is next for a team that’s been a shell of itself since trading Karl-Anthony Towns just before the start of training camp.

The Wolves’ lack of action last week before the deadline was not due a lack of motivation. The problem with moving anyone of significance had more to do with this roster’s poor combination of aging big man talent (Randle + Gobert) and their difficult-to-move contracts.

President of basketball operations Tim Connelly still did his best to make a third blockbuster deal of his still-young tenure in Minnesota happen. In fact, after the trade deadline passed, reports surfaced that before negotiations fell through, the Wolves had discussed what would have been an absolutely massive trade with the Phoenix Suns that would have landed Kevin Durant in the Twin Cities.

How close did Minnesota Timberwolves get to landing Kevin Durant?

Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

How far down the negotiating rabbit hole did the Wolves and Suns really get, though? According to Darren “Doogie” Wolfson (KSTP) on the most recent episode of Mackey & Judd (SKOR North), they never got all that close to actually inking the deal.

I guess that opinion is in the eye of the beholder, however, because the two luxury tax burdened NBA organizations got far enough into Durant trade talks that the Wolves started scrambling their salary cap experts to see what it would take to convert Jaylen Clark’s two-way contract into a standard NBA contract.

Why? According to Doogie (below), the Wolves would have needed Clark on a standard contract, in order to legally facilitate a possible deal for KD. And while deadline negotiations for Durant eventually fell through, Doogie says “we know” the Minnesota Timberwolves will continue their pursuit of Kevin Durant this offseason.

“I don’t sense [talks between the Suns and Wolves] ever got remotely close. But here’s what’s interesting. The Wolves, behind the scenes, were doing all sorts of due diligence thinking, planning as if they were going to land Kevin Durant. So multiple players were going to be moved from here.

It got as far as dialogue about converting Jaylen Clark’s two-way contract to a standard deal, to get up to the number of players you need on standard NBA contracts. So the Wolves were doing all sorts of work behind the scenes anticipating they were going to land KD.

Bottom line, we know this summer, especially now with Tim Connelly — I’m telling you, I would be shocked if he goes elsewhere [now that Lore and A-Rod won arbitration] — with this front office in place, the Wolves are going to continue their pursuit of Kevin Durant, come this summer.”
Darren Wolfson – Mackey & Judd Show (SKOR North)

On Monday, we finally got our long awaited answer to questions regarding the Minnesota Timberwolves future ownership. Unless blocked by the NBA Board of Governors — they need 23 of 30 owners (>75%) to approve their majority purchase — Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez will soon become the majority owners of the Wolves and Lynx franchises.

Durant to Minnesota inevitable…?

Will the change in ownership increase or decrease the likelihood of landing Kevin Durant this offseason? It helps their chances, without a doubt. Why? Well first, it’s worth noting that a trade for KD wouldn’t involve extra salary, being the Timberwolves cannot complete trades that bring in more money.

Report: Mavs Engaged Timberwolves in Luka Doncic Trade Talks

But most of all, we know that Lore and A-Rod are going to want to have a splashy offseason full of positive headlines. Finding a way to drop Randle form the roster, in exchange for Durant would light the fanbase on fire before the start of the 2026 season.

All NBA insiders have already acknowledged that the Suns plan to move KD this offseason, so it’s just a matter of whether or not the Minnesota Timberwolves provide a package to the Suns’ liking and Durant wants to come play with his little bro, Anthony Edwards.

More must-reads:

Report: Mavs Engaged Timberwolves in Luka Doncic Trade Talks

Ezra Greenman — Tue, 11 Feb 2025 21:18:21 +0000

Kevin Jairaj-Imagn ImagesKevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Last week, the Minnesota Timberwolves remained quiet at the NBA trade deadline. The same cannot be said for two West rivals, though. Earlier in the week, the Dallas Mavericks sent superstar Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for lower-tiered superstar, Anthony Davis (and more), in what is widely considered one of the biggest blockbuster trades in NBA history.

It was a move that sent shockwaves through the basketball world. A lot of people were even convinced Shams Charania (ESPN) was hacked when he dropped the news on X (formerly Twitter). It was that astonishing.

Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

There wasn’t a single rumor about Luka being traded. Everyone just assumed Doncic was one of those rare “untouchable” players. But if he’s not, then absolutely no one is. But on Tuesday, reports are surfacing that the Mavericks had been quietly testing the waters on a possible Luka Doncic trade, and that other teams didn’t take them seriously or weren’t willing to swap superstars.

Dallas Mavericks reached out to the Minnesota Timberwolves about Luka Doncic

According to longtime basketball writer Gery Woelfel, the Mavericks reached out to multiple teams before Luka Doncic ended up with the Lakers. One of those teams was the Minnesota Timberwolves — talks that likely included Anthony Edwards. The other, per Woelfel, was the Milwaukee Bucks, who weren’t willing to deal Giannis Antetokounmpo.

According to one source, the Mavs reached out to the Bucks. But the Bucks made it clear to Mavs they wouldn’t trade Antetokounmpo even though his future with the team is murky.

As for the Timberwolves, it’s only logical that any potential deal between the Mavs and Timberwolves would have included Anthony Edwards, their ascending 23-year-old superstar.

The NBA officials I contacted regarding the Doncic-Davis declined to divulge specifics of the Mavs talks with the Bucks and Timberwolves, but they were adamant those talks took place.
Gery Woelfel

A trade involving 23-year-old Anthony Edwards and 25-year-old Luka Doncic would’ve sent this blockbuster into another stratosphere, especially considering it wouldn’t have even been a year since their showdown in the Western Conference Finals.

I can’t even imagine what Timberwolves president of basketball operations Tim Connelly was thinking when Dallas called them wanting to talk about trading Luka Doncic. Was it Edwards that he Mavs were demanding? As Woelfel theorizes, I can’t see why else they would call.

All of this really puts things into perspective. Maybe it’s a reminder not to take watching Anthony Edwards in a Minnesota Timberwolves jersey for granted. You never know when a phone call could hit the line that changes the course of franchise history forever.

More must-reads:

Reports: Glen Taylor’s Highest Ranking Wolves Employees are Job Hunting

Eric Strack — Sat, 08 Feb 2025 21:52:48 +0000

Nick Wosika-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Timberwolves are back on the Target Center court Saturday night vs the Portland Trail Blazers. Entering the matchup, the 29-23 Wolves stand as the 7th seed in the Western Conference.

While the 2024-25 season has been a bumpy ride early, this team is without a doubt getting better as the new core of Julius Randle, Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert get more game reps together.

That’s good news because, the NBA trade deadline passed Thursday, with nothing more than a couple of blockbuster rumors (one including Kevin Durant) to show for it. Now, the Wolves have no other choice than to ride out its current roster through the end of the season.

Minnesota Timberwolves arbitration ruling expected Monday

But just because the Minnesota Timberwolves didn’t make any player personnel moves before the trade deadline, that doesn’t mean there isn’t be a major announcement on the horizon. Like on Monday, when we are finally expected to find out who will win the Wolves’ long, drawn-out ownership battle.

Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images

According to Jon Krawczynski (The Athletic), it’s then that we can expect a binding arbitration ruling to crown either incumbent Glen Taylor or his challenger, Marc Lore, as rightful majority owner of a Timberwolves franchise that has been in ownership flux for this entire decade.

Reporting on these arbitration hearings so far has been down the middle. Neither side of the negotiation has given much of any inclination as to who the announced victor will be. But there is one detail emerging from the ongoing situation at Mayo Clinic Square that may look quite revealing, in retrospect.

Local insiders: Top Glen Taylor staffers are looking for new work…

According to Minnesota Timberwolves insider Dane Moore, there are high-ranking Glen Taylor hires who have been interviewing for new jobs recently. Obviously, that lends one to believe they are more nervous about their current employment status than what is being led on by the Glen Taylor side of these hearings.

“They are waiting for a decision from the lawyers on on the arbitration. But some of the things that have been moving in the background, that you and I know of. People at high positions in the organization, right now, are interviewing elsewhere, that are Glen Taylor hires.

I mean, that’s a very strong indication to me, that high ranking officials in the Timberwolves organization have been taking interviews with other organizations. So that’s my my interpretation of the situation.”
Dane Moore – Dane Moore Podcast

Moore isn’t the only one hearing these interview murmurs in the Wolves organization. Darren “Doogie” Wolfson (KSTP) took things a step further during his late-week edition of “Scoops” on Mackey and Judd a couple days ago, by naming one of the longtime Glen Taylor employees who has been “looking around” for new work.

MN Timberwolves CEO Ethan Casson is one of those exploring job market

Minnesota Timberwolves CEO Ethan Casson joined the Timberwolves over 25 years ago and has taken on a bunch of different roles within the organization. According to Wolfson, Casson is one of those high-ranking Glen Taylor loyalists who’s been out “looking around” for other jobs. Doogie even mentions the Houston Texans’ recent hire of a new team president as one position Casson had taken interest in.

“Ethan Casson, high high up [in the Wolves organization]…well the Houston Texans recently hired a team president. Like, [Casson has] looked around. So what does that tell you? Because he knows everything. So, he has looked around, minimum. What does that tell you, potentially? What does he know?”
Darren Wolfson – Mackey & Judd (SKOR North)

Ethan Casson was hired by the Minnesota Timberwolves around just before the turn of the millenium. He then worked his way loyally up the organizational ladder to Senior Vice President of Corporate Partnerships.

After more than a decade of service in Minnesota, Casson flew West in 2010 to join the San Francisco 49ers as their Vice President of Corporate Sales, Chief Revenue Officer and Chief Operating Officer. Ethan then returned to the Wolves in 2016, but while with the Niners, he is credited for securing their $220 million stadium naming rights sponsorship with Levi Strauss (Wikipedia).

Just reading between the lines from Wolfson, it seems pretty likely that Casson not only had interest in the Texans team president job, but that probably interviewed for it too. I have little doubt there are more Glen Taylor loyalists who are worried about their jobs this weekend.

Any attorney who has dug into the paperwork being dispute have argued in favor of Lore and A-Rod. They may have pushed out some payments but those delays seem to all be in line with how the purchase agreement was written. In my eyes, anything other than a Lore + A-Rod victory on Monday would be a surprise.

More must-reads:

Ball Brother Reportedly Drawing Trade Interest from Timberwolves

Mason Klemm — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 01:07:13 +0000

Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Most fans wouldn’t call the Minnesota Timberwolves’ season successful up to this point. At 27-23, they rank seventh in the West and appear unlikely to revisit the Western Conference Finals.

The trade sending KAT to New York and Julius Randle to Minnesota has dampened fan enthusiasm. KAT, an All-Star starter, starkly contrasts with Randle, who’s deep in trade rumors. This move has diminished the momentum from last year.

Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

Minnesota Timberwolves interested in Lonzo Ball

The Timberwolves might salvage their season with a trade. One they’ve been monitoring is for Lonzo Ball, per Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. Ball also interests the Grizzlies and Pistons, with eyes on a potential buyout, heading into free agency this offseason.

The Bulls are sellers, having traded former Timberwolf Zach LaVine on Sunday. Talks about Nikola Vučević involve the Warriors and Lakers. They might also move Ball and his expiring contract before Thursday’s deadline.

However, NBA reporter Marc Stein indicates the Bulls are not eager to trade Ball. They’re also resistant to buying him out if he stays past the deadline. There’s even some interest in re-signing him, which might make a trade with the Timberwolves unlikely.

Ball has slowly been returning to form since knee injuries sidelined him for the last two seasons. Over his last 11 games, he’s averaging 10.5 points, 3.5 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 1.5 steals while shooting 40.3 percent from the field.

Lonzo Ball – anticipation pic.twitter.com/mhCsTJHdxZ
— Brett Usher (@UsherNBA) January 30, 2025

Why the move makes sense for the MN Timberwolves

Acquiring Lonzo Ball would alleviate some of the Minnesota Timberwolves’ salary issues, but only if they can offload Randle in the deal. Ball makes $21 million this year, so the only player besides Randle they can trade to keep them under the second apron is Jaden McDaniels. Considering the Wolves just signed him to an extension, trading McDaniels is not likely.

To prevent Randle from exercising his player option for next season, the Wolves should trade him before Thursday. The return may not be what they like, however, which could hamper them from making the move. As of Tuesday, reports indicate that Randle is staying put.

The Wolves eyed De’Aaron Fox before his trade to the Spurs, signaling a need for a point guard. With Conley’s dip in performance and Dillingham’s inexperience, adding depth could boost their playoff chances, especially if it means moving Randle.

Considering his injury history, trading for Ball might not be the Wolves’ best option. He’s played only half a season, starting in just eight games with an average of 21.3 minutes per game. Ball’s play could ramp up significantly with the Timberwolves. His 3-and-D style would fit well next to Anthony Edwards, but his ability to stay on the court remains uncertain.

More must-reads:

Timberwolves Expected to Keep Julius Randle as Trade Deadline Approaches

Ezra Greenman — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 23:13:13 +0000

Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Timberwolves have a 27-23 record through their first 50 games. The All-Star Break is on the horizon, but the trade deadline this Thursday demands attention first. Speculation swirls about the moves they might make.

With Luka Doncic getting traded in a shocking move, it’s clear that no one is untouchable in today’s NBA. So, what does that mean for the Timberwolves as the trade deadline approaches?

Minnesota Timberwolves to more than likely keep Julius Randle through the trade deadline

Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Right before the season started, the Minnesota Timberwolves executed a shocking trade, sending longtime franchise player Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo. So far, however, the move hasn’t paid off. Both newcomers struggle to make a significant impact, particularly Randle.

Julius Randle has been a disappointment this season, and has a player option after this year. Plenty of people expect him to be on the move at the trade deadline, but as things stand, that doesn’t seem to be happening. At least, that’s what they want us to believe.

According to local insiders Jon Krawczynski and Darren Wolfson, the Timberwolves don’t seem likely to make a move, at least when it comes to Julius Randle.

There isn’t much of one for a player with a $33 million option on his deal for next year. If the Wolves wanted to move Randle, they would likely have to incentivize another team to take him, and they’re not interested in that. The groin injury that could keep him out through the All-Star break doesn’t help matters.

Trading him now would also almost certainly make them a worse team in the short term, and they don’t have their first-round pick in the draft so the benefit of a mini-tank is not there. Sorry Wolves fans, but they like Randle more than you do.

If things hold as they are right now, I don’t see a move happening. Salary dumping Randle doesn’t make sense for their goals this season.
Jon Krawczynski – TheAthletic

Krawczynski highlights that Randle’s contract poses a problem for trading him. The Minnesota Timberwolves would need to sweeten the deal to offload him, which isn’t worth it for them. He also argues convincingly that, considering the Wolves’ short-term goals, moving Randle this season makes little sense. Instead, they should stick with him and aim for a playoff push.

No real steam on Julius Randle being traded

Also, according to local insider Darren Wolfson, there hasn’t been any real buzz about the Timberwolves trading Julius Randle. In fact, he’d bet that Randle remains with the team beyond the trade deadline.

I’m not saying there’s a 0% chance, Phil, because Julius Randle’s name has clearly come up. But looking back over the past couple of weeks, I just haven’t heard any real, legit buzz. So, my bet right now is that Randle will still be here on Friday. The groin strain certainly doesn’t help.
Darren Wolfson – SKOR North

Wolfson noted that Randle’s name has been circulating in trade talks, but he doubts anything substantial has developed yet. He also made a strong point about Randle’s recent injury; it won’t keep him out for long, but the timing is awful, coming just before the trade deadline.

The NBA is a business at the end of the day

This season, NBA fans have learned a crucial lesson: no player is truly off-limits. Karl-Anthony Towns was traded unexpectedly, shocking everyone. Then, just this past weekend, Luka Doncic, thought by many to be untouchable, was also dealt. It’s evident now that anyone can be moved in this league.

The league is all about business, and teams aren’t shy about taking risks. Just something to remember as we head into the final days before the trade deadline.

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Timberwolves Eyeing Blockbuster Trade For All-Star Point Guard

Ezra Greenman — Fri, 31 Jan 2025 20:25:01 +0000

Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Timberwolves are on fire right now, riding a 5-game winning streak. They’ve improved to 27-21 for the season and are steadily moving up the Western Conference standings. Currently sitting at 7th, they’re just a few games away from cracking the top 4 in the West.

With the trade deadline just six days away, there’s growing curiosity about whether the Timberwolves will make a move. Today, more insider info dropped, revealing that the MN Timberwolves have reached out about acquiring All-Star point guard De’Aaron Fox.

MN Timberwolves in talks with the Sacramento Kings about De’Aaron Fox

According to NBA insider Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, the Minnesota Timberwolves and Toronto Raptors are both showing interest in Fox. Siegel also breaks down what the Timberwolves would need to give up to make a deal happen.

Sources said other teams to inquire about Fox’s availability in Sacramento include the Minnesota Timberwolves and Toronto Raptors. A path to possibly landing Fox would be extremely difficult for the Timberwolves and is unlikely since they’d have to move Julius Randle and Jaden McDaniels to get out of the second apron. McDaniels does have a lot of fans in the Kings’ front office, sources said.
Brett Siegel – ClutchPoints

Siegel believes a trade is unlikely since the Timberwolves would probably have to give up both Julius Randle and Jaden McDaniels. He also points out that the Kings are really high on McDaniels.

I could definitely see the Timberwolves trading Randle by the deadline since he’s been pretty underwhelming this season. But moving McDaniels? That just doesn’t seem likely to me. Then again, who knows what Tim Connelly and the front office are thinking.

If De’Aaron Fox joins the Timberwolves, he could make an immediate impact, forming one of the league’s most dangerous backcourts alongside Anthony Edwards. Fox has spent his entire eight-year career with the Kings, where he was the fifth overall pick in the draft.

He earned an All-Star nod and made the All-NBA Third Team in 2023. This season, he’s putting up 25.1 points and just over six assists per game, proving he’s still one of the league’s top guards.

The trade deadline is set for next Thursday at 2 p.m., and while it’s anyone’s guess what the Timberwolves will do, I’d be surprised if they stand pat. It’s going to be really interesting to see how it all unfolds.

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