Windhorst Confirms Giannis’ Interest in Timberwolves

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Giannis Antetokounmpo
Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

The NBA trade deadline is exactly one week away and Minnesota Timberwolves president of basketball operations Tim Connell has widened his target base well beyond what began as a trade deadline search for point guard help.

In fact, the latest rumors have the Timberwolves showing interest in NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. But even before the Wolves turned their gaze toward the Bucks star, there were rumors out there that he was interested in them.

MN Timberwolves a desired destination for Giannis Antetokounmpo

The Milwaukee Bucks drafted Giannis Antetokounmpo 15th overall in 2013 and he quickly blossomed into a two-time league MVP. Now, 13 years and over 900 NBA games later, the 31-year-old wants out. And Brian Windhorst (ESPN) confirmed Thursday on Get Up that he is indeed targeting Minnesota as his next landing spot.

“Shams [Charania] mentioned the Minnesota Timberwolves. He has not mentioned that for no reason. This is something, from what I understand, that Giannis [Antetokounmpo] has interest in. The Timberwolves don’t have draft picks and don’t have the young players. They’d have to center around veteran players, but that is something that we should keep an eye on as well.”

Brian Windhorst

In 30 game this season, Giannis is averaging 28 points on a career-best 64.5% from the field. He has, however, been dealing with a calf strain for the past couple seasons, an injury that recently put him on the shelf for 4-6 weeks.

What does Giannis cost MN Timberwolves?

As Windhorst mentioned, the Minnesota Timberwolves do not have enough draft capital or young talent to entice the Bucks to send Giannis one state west. Any deal they get done would center around veteran pieces.

Windy didn’t mention them directly but the obvious names would include a combination of Julius Randle, Jaden McDaniels, Naz Reid, Donte DiVincenzo and Rudy Gobert. More than likely, Rob Dillingham and/or Terrance Shannon Jr would be included in the deal, as well.

You have to think the Bucks would specifically demand Jaden McDaniels as part of the deal. At 25, Jaden impacts the game on both ends of the floor, especially when he is going well.

McDaniels is averaging a career-high 14.6 points per game this season with a 118 offensive rating and a 114 defensive rating. To make the money work, Minnesota will have to include at least one of Gobert or Randle, if not both.

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