Timberwolves Now Targeting James Harden? NBA Insiders Split…
The Minnesota Timberwolves will probably end up winning a playoff series or two, by the time their 2025-26 season comes to its final stop.
But it’s difficult to imagine this team winning an NBA Championship, after watching them trip and fall over themselves randomly throughout the regular season.
Like last night, when a fully-available Wolves team was handled for four quarters by the busted, Morant-less Memphis Grizzlies, 137-128. We know Tim Connelly has been itching to make a trade for months, but that urge to scratch it has to be unbearable after watching last night unfold in real time.
Minnesota Timberwolves interested in James Harden?
And sure enough, following a full day of Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors on Monday, there was new reported trade target on the Minnesota Timberwolves radar when the calendar flipped to Tuesday.
According to Los Angeles Clippers insider Tomer Azarly (ClutchPoints), the Wolves were in contact with LA late last night — along with the Cavaliers — regarding star point guard, James Harden, who is now open to a pre-deadline trade out of LA. Toronto and New Orleans have also reached out on Harden.
In addition to the Cleveland Cavaliers, league sources tell ClutchPoints that the Minnesota Timberwolves have also had trade discussions with the Clippers around James Harden. The Wolves have been in the market for a veteran guard to play alongside Anthony Edwards, but haven’t been able to gain traction on a deal as of Monday night.
The Toronto Raptors and New Orleans Pelicans have also inquired about potentially trading for James Harden, but sources say Harden has no interest in joining either franchise via trade.
Tomer Azarly – ClutchPoints.com
Azar makes it sound like the Timberwolves are showing a lot of interest in Harden, mentioning them right up next to Cleveland, who seems to be his top pursuer, as of Tuesday morning.
He also reports that Harden is not interested in playing for either the Raptor or Pelicans, which matters because Harden has a full no-trade clause, and thus full control over where he ends up.
Trading for James Harden… might actually work
James Harden is 36 years old and playing in his 17th NBA season. His age does not reflect in his numbers, however. The former Arizona State star made his first All-Star appearance in three years last season, and he’s been even better in 2025-26.
Through 44 games, James Harden is averaging 25.4 points, 8.1 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game (35.4 MPG). The last time Harden was this productive was 2019-2020, his final full year with the Houston Rockets, where he finished No. 3 in MVP voting, posting 34.3 points 6.6 rebounds and 7.5 assists per game.
JAMES HARDEN TODAY:
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) November 22, 2025
55 POINTS
7 ASSISTS
17/26 FG
10/16 3PT
11/14 FT pic.twitter.com/MqMOPaNjZP
If Tim Connelly is going to deal for James Harden, it would signal that the Timberwolves are pivoting from Trade Deadline Play A to Plan B. And for the right price, the 2025-26 version of Harden might actually make a great ripcord option for Minnesota.
Yes, he’s is old and declining, but this Wolves roster is in need of a major shakeup sometime over the next year or two anyway. Swapping out Julius Randle for Harden could make a ton of sense for both Minnesota and LA.
Fisher: MN Timberwolves focused on Giannis, not Harden
Of course, it takes two to tango and there’s a split in insider reporting regarding how interested the Minnesota Timberwolves really are in James Harden.
According to NBA reporter Jake Fischer over at Marc Stein’s substack, Connelly and the Wolves are NOT expected to pursue the former NBA MVP, 3x scoring champ and 11x All-Star. Instead, per Fischer, they remain fully focused on landing Giannis.
Sources say that Harden, through various stretches of this season, has also eyed Minnesota and Atlanta as teams that appeal to him as potential landing spots, but neither the Timberwolves nor the Hawks are expected to pursue such a deal. The Wolves have been focused intently on their pursuit of Antetokounmpo as the deadline draws near.
Jake Fischer – Marc Stein Substack
We continue to hear that the Minnesota Timberwolves have very little chance to work out a Giannis Antetokounmpo deal, despite both he and the Wolves being extremely interested in each other. But if Fischer’s report is true, it tells us something much different.
With two days remaining before the NBA Trade Deadline, every hour between now and Thursday at 2 p.m CST matters, when it comes to getting a Giannis deal done. Any trade between the Bucks and Wolves would include at least three teams, maybe four.
Related: Timberwolves Desperately Trying to Close Giannis Deal… But Won’t Offer Jaden?
If all sides agree to pull the trigger, it’s possible we could see a dozen players moving in the deal. That’s a lot of flights that need to go out on time, and physicals that need passed before anything can get finalized.
In other words, time is running out to get all of that done.
But if Fischer is right, and the Wolves remain committed to Giannis, it tells us that Tim Connelly must feel pretty good about his chances to eventually get it done. Otherwise, it would probably be time to move on by now…
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