Thankfully for you, at this moment of difficulty, one thing can be guaranteed. Soon after word gets out on your newly-available asset, the phone is going to ring. And on the other end of that call will be Minnesota Timberwolves president of basketball operations Tim Connelly, ready to flesh out the situation.

According to reports from insiders throughout the NBA in recent months, Minnesota has shown interest in pretty much every high-end player rumored to be disgruntled, or on the way out of their current situation, for one reason or another.

While there has been some steam linking them to Giannis Antetokounmpo, the list of reported targets made mostly point guards, including Kyrie Irving, Darius Garland, Coby White and Ja Morant, among others.

Ja Morant to Minnesota Timberwolves unlikely to happen

Of course, the path to making a deal is going to be easier in some places than others, which brings us back to Morant. The Timberwolves may be interested in the Grizzlies’ “superstar” point guard, but actually making a deal happen will be a completely different story, thanks to the league’s luxury tax rules.

According to NBA insider John Hollinger (The Athletic), because of the Timberwolves’ current cap/luxury tax situation, they’d have to “trade Naz Reid and at least three other players” to jump all through all the hoops it’d take to acquire Morant.

Teams such as the Clippers and Wolves are so handcuffed money-wise that it’s hard to see them as serious bidders for Morant.

The Wolves are another team in the lukewarm waters. They would possibly have more interest if it weren’t for those pesky salary-cap rules, but it’s hard to put together a cap-compliant trade that lets them take in Morant’s $39 million salary while staying below the second apron.

They would likely need to trade Naz Reid and at least three other players, and they don’t have the depth to withstand Morant only playing half the schedule.

John Hollinger – The Athletic

At this point in Ja’s career, even at only 26 years old, trading Naz Reid for Ja Morant straight up might not be worth it, given the headache Morant has proven to be off the floor.

That’s why the price of doing business with Memphis is expected to be far too great for Tim Connelly & Co, especially when you consider Ja’s reeling basketball stock recently.

From Giannis to Kyrie and even Ja Morant, if a superstar talent has been rumored to be available of late, the Wolves have been one of the teams listed with interest.

Per usual, president of basketball operations Tim Connelly seems pretty flexible in his search to acquire more talent. But for the most part, he and his front office have reportedly been most interested in finding a great point guard to pair with with Anthony Edwards.

Beyond the aforementioned Irving and Morant whispers, Minnesota has also been connected to standout guards Darius Garland (Cavs) and Koby White (Bulls).

Then this week, another guard was added to the Wolves’ rumor pile when they were mentioned as one of the teams showing interest in Atlanta Hawks star point guard, Trae Young, who is working with the Hawks to get out the ATL.

MN Timberwolves have shown no interest in Trae Young

But are the MN Timberwolves really interested in the one-time University of Oklahoma superstar? Well, not if you ask the website of trusted NBA insider, Marc Stein. On Tuesday, Jake Fischer posted on Stein’s substack that the Minnesota Timberwolves have shown no interest in Young — an 8-year league veteran.

According to Fischer — who believes the most likely landing spot for the 27-year-old ball-dominant guard is Washington — any previously reported Wolves interest in Trae Young was manufactured by his agency. which has been “suggesting Minnesota and Brooklyn as two attractive potential destinations”.

I’m told that Young’s camp has suggested Minnesota and Brooklyn, from their side, as two attractive potential destinations.

Yet I’m also told that neither the Timberwolves nor the Nets are in pursuit.

For all the leaguewide discussion about the Timberwolves’ search for more playmaking, they would face similar issues in a theoretical Young trade as Milwaukee. How many key players would the Wolves have to sacrifice to match Young’s salary? Answer: Too many.

Jake Fischer – Marc Stein Substack

Trae Young has played in only ten games this year for the Atlanta Hawks, averaging 19. points and 8.9 assists per game — both down from his career averages. Young was in the lineup for Atlanta’s first five games of the season, until he suffered a sprained MCL on October 29 against the Brooklyn Nets.

Young shouldn’t feel bad that the MN Timberwolves are not interested in his services. Because Fischer didn’t stop with Connelly’s lack of interest in the former University of Oklahoma superstar.

Wolves no longer searching for superstar help at trade deadline

According to the NBA insider, Minnesota is no longer interested in trading for a superstar at all, especially before the February trade deadline — not at point guard or any other position. Why not? Because it would kill all the depth they gained in the Karl-Anthony Towns trade.

Instead, the Wolves’ front office is in search of moves that can improve the fringes of their rotation. Specifically, Connelly is hunting for a guard whose being paid around $15 million combined, which would allow Minnesota to match salaries by packaging Mike Conley and Rob Dillingham in return.

I’ve been told pretty emphatically this week that Minnesota is not only uninvolved on the Young front but also isn’t chasing any high-priced guards.

It sounds as if the Wolves, should they make a move to enhance their backcourt, are much more focused on adding a mid-tier-salaried player at the position. They can easily combine Mike Conley Jr.’s $10.7 million expiring contract and second-year guard Rob Dillingham’s $6.5 million to absorb incoming salary in the mid-level-exception range and could conceivably add a few more end-of-roster players if they need to go a little higher.

Jake Fischer – Marc Stein Substack

Related: Former Timberwolves Owner Pushes Blame Back on KG

With Trae Young in the lineup, the Atlanta Hawks are 2-8 this season with him averaging . When he is out of the lineup, they are 15-13. After suffering his injury, Atlanta rose to one of the hottest surprise teams in the league. At one point, they built their record all the way up to 13-8.

Unfortunately, when Young returned on December 18, the Hawks went on an immediate six-game losing streak. And now, Trae is no longer taking the floor for Atlanta. In fact, he has not dressed since December 27.

Trae Young has 245 more THREES and almost 1K (971) more ASSISTS than any other player in franchise history!

2nd player to ever lead the NBA in total points and total assists. Only Harden and LeBron have more career games with 30+ PTS & 10+ AST pic.twitter.com/QfkqmE31al

— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) January 5, 2026

Minnesota Timberwolves looking to move on from Rob Dillingham

Fischer added that the Minnesota Timberwolves are indeed welcome to moving on from second-year guard and former No. 8 overall pick, Rob Dillingham — a clear sign that they very much regret moving into the top of the first 2024 first round to select the talented Kentucky freshman who just turned 21 years old on Monday.

I have heard, by the way, that parting with Dillingham is indeed on the table. The Wolves were certainly aggressive in acquiring the No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft to select Dillingham, but he simply hasn’t been able to fill Minnesota’s playmaking needs as quickly as hoped and could well benefit from a change of scenery.

Jake Fischer – Marc Stein Substack

Then this week, it seemed like the Wolves were on the verge of trading for Chicago Bulls guard, Coby White… until one local insider at The Athletic loudly slammed the door on those reports too.

Minnesota Timberwolves interested in Giannis Antetokounmpo

But as I mentioned in that article, failing won’t stop Tim Connelly from trying again, and again, and again, and again, and again [repeat], until he finds a blockbuster trade that clicks. And while most of the rumors surround the Timberwolves lately have featured ball-handling guards, this latest one shifts focus to a ball handling center.

According to Chris B. Haynes (NBA on Prime), Minnesota is one of a handful of teams showing interest in Milwaukee Bucks 9x All-Star, 2x MVP and 2021 NBA champion, Giannis Antetokounmpo. Of the five teams Haynes lists, the Wolves come last… as if he almost forgot to mention them.

The Knicks, Heat, Warriors, and Timberwolves have expressed interest in Giannis Antetokounmpo, per @ChrisBHaynes

(h/t @NBA__Courtside )

pic.twitter.com/vrsJMhtJMH

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 13, 2025

“I think the Knicks have strong interest in Giannis. The Miami Heat have interest in Giannis. The Golden State Warriors have had interest in Giannis for a long time, the San Antonio Spurs. Uh, the list goes on and on, the Minnesota Timberwolves…”

Chris B. Haynes – NBA on Prime

There has been some light speculation, connecting Antetokounmpo to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the past year, but this is really the first time we’ve seen them connected to him, in a National TV spotlight, like during tonight’s NBA Cup broadcast on Prime Video.

In 17 games this season, Giannis Antetokounmpo is averaging 28.9 points, 10.1 rebounds and 6.1 points per game, which is actually a down season by his standards. Each of the past three years, Giannis has averaged 30 or more points. He’s averaged at least 11 rebounds every season since 2018-19.

GIANNIS RISE UP. 😤

pic.twitter.com/rCRVHuAMgP

— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) November 15, 2025

Don’t hold your breath yet, Wolves fans…

While it’s worth noticing the Timberwolves’ inclusion in Haynes’ report, I wouldn’t hold my breath until Giannis Antetokounmpo lands in Minnesota. As of now, this still doesn’t feel like the blockbuster move Tim Connelly has been hunting for.

Right after he mentions the Wolves’ interest in Milwaukee’s 2020-21 NBA Finals MVP, Haynes goes on to say that — while winning another championship is Antetokounmpo’s “main priority” — the 31-year-old 7-footer is also in search of more sun and a big market setting.

Just in case you weren’t aware, he will find neither of those things in Minneapolis… at least not during the winter.

“For Giannis, wherever he lands, I think preferably he’d like to have some sun. He would like to be probably in a big market. Outside of that, he just wants to be on a team where he can contend for a championship. He has been very adamant about that being a main priority.”

Chris B. Haynes – NBA on Prime

The Minnesota Timberwolves are off on Saturday night, after claiming a late 127-120 victory out West against the Golden State Warriors on Friday night. Of note, the Wolves did it without Anthony Edwards on the floor, after he was ruled out before the game with a nagging foot injury.

In the win, Julius Randle stepped up — as he always does when Ant can’t go — contributing 27 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists to the Wolves’ cause. Donte DiVincenzo (21 PTS, 6 REB, 4 AST) and Rudy Gobert (24 PTS, 14 REB) did their fair share too.

Related: Anthony Edwards EXTREMELY Confident He’ll Carry Timberwolves

While it was nice for Minnesota to show some moxie, without their superstar available, let’s make something very clear. This organization is NOT looking to subtract star players. Quite the contrary, actually. President of basketball operations Tim Connelly is on the search for more star power.

And who knows, weirder things have happened. Without a doubt, if winning more championships is Antetokounmpo’s No. 1 priority, I’m not sure he can find a better partner in crime to do it with than Anthony Edwards.

So far, Tim Connelly’s relentlessness to make a deal have proven fruitless, even going back to his failed attempt to land Kevin Durant during the offseason. And if we know anything about the Wolves’ president of basketball operations, it’s that he likes to make deals, not look for them.

Unfortunately, even when the ultimate dealmakers like Connelly are involved, it still takes two to tango. And with 1.5 months remaining until the NBA trade deadline, most of the league’s future deadline sellers have yet to admit defeat on their 2025-26 seasons.

Of course, that hasn’t stopped Minnesota’s PoBO from showing interest in every starting-caliber guard rumored to be unhappy and/or available, recently. In the last handful of weeks, Tim’s reportedly poked his head in on Ja Morant, in Memphis, and Kyrie Irving in Dallas.

For now, nobody’s ready to get serious about making a deal. But hey, shooters shoot. And rest assured, Tim Connelly is not going to stop putting himself out there, no matter how many times he gets turned down.

Latest Minnesota Timberwolves trade rumor

Like this week, when the Minnesota Timberwolves reportedly set their sights on a deal with Chicago, where Joe Cowley (Chicago Sun-Times) wrote Thursday that Connelly was showing pretty extreme interest in talented young combo guard, Coby White — who takes on most of the Bulls’ ball-handling duties when available.

In his article, Cowley even went as far as to say that Minnesota had Donte DiVincenzo, Terrence Shannon Jr and additional draft compensation on the table, in exchange for White. But there was one caveat to Connelly’s offer.

According to the longtime Chicago Bulls insider, the Timberwolves weren’t willing to wait for the trade deadline. While Cowley claimed “no trade is imminent”, he noted that the outcome of Friday night’s Bulls game could even be the deciding factor on whether or not a 9-14 Chicago team decides to pull the deadline ripcord early.

According to a source, Coby White has been inquired about, and time is of the essence in the Bulls making a decision. The source said that Minnesota is not looking to wait until February and the trade deadline to get a deal done, looking to fix the primary ball-handling situation that’s been an issue all season long for them.

…the Bulls game in Charlotte is taking on a bit more magnitude than just a Dec. 12 regular-season contest, and the clock is ticking.

Joe Cowley – Chicago Sun-Times

Coby White is not a healthy and available Ja Morant, or even a 33-year-old Kyrie Irving. Nonetheless, he’d be a really good fit in Minnesota, where the Timberwolves feel like they are a high-end ball-handler away from being a legitimate threat to come out of the West.

For those who haven’t been keeping tabs on Coby White and/or the Chicago Bulls recently, you’ve missed the one-and-done UNC Tar Heel blossom into a 20 PPG scorer who is lethal from deep, averaging over 37% from deep each of the past four seasons, if you give him room.

COBY WHITE TOOK OVER IN MILWAUKEE.

35 points.
7 threes.
6 boards.
5 assists.
4 steals.

The @chicagobulls get the road W 😤 pic.twitter.com/btqdEvWjBf

— NBA (@NBA) October 26, 2024

Wolves insider shuts down Coby White rumors

And after reading the Chicago Sun-Times report, it was hard not to start dreaming of what the Minnesota Timberwolves backcourt could look like with a talented 25-year-old White paired next to Anthony Edwards for the next few years.

Unfortunately, if you want to live in that dreamworld this weekend, you might want to stop reading this article, probably want to avoid The Athletic Jon Krawczynski’s X account and DEFINITELY want to stay out of his replies.

On Friday, the veteran Wolves beat writer made it very clear that, not only is a Coby White deal NOT imminent — but Minnesota and Chicago aren’t even actively having conversations about him. Of course, things can change quickly, but Krawczynski had some strong words for those trying to challenge his reporting.

I can tell you that there is absolutely nothing cooking there right now. Could that change down the road? Maybe. He's certainly a name to watch. But nothing percolating yet. https://t.co/Xpx5XsZIHz

— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) December 11, 2025

Maybe it happens down the road, maybe not. For every trade that happens, 100 get talked about that never do. What I’m telling you is what is actually happening RIGHT NOW. It’s a fact that there are no talks going on right now. The trade fairy isn’t coming tonight, buttercup

— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) December 11, 2025

Soooo….. at least for now, don’t wait by Twitter all weekend in hopes that you are going to be the first to see a Coby White to the Minnesota Timberwolves trade go down. At least, not if you trust Jon’s inside sources, which you probably should.

Whether it happens tonight, next week or in the days leading up to the deadline, one thing has become pretty clear. Tim Connelly is going to do something big between now and February 5 at 2 p.m. CT. Until it actually happens, we’ll be here to bring you all of the “maybes”.

Unfortunately, just like with his pursuit of KD, Connelly is finding it awfully difficult to get what he wants out on the NBA trade market. When questions rose, yet again, around Ja Morant and his viability in Memphis, the Wolves were one of the few teams reported as being interested.

This week, the same kind of rumors were being floated about Kyrie Irving, who is trying to return from injury early in the new year. And yet again, the first team listed with interest in the elite ball-handler was the MN Timberwolves.

Minnesota Timberwolves targeting Chicago Bulls guard

And now, according to Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times, Tim Connelly has set his sights on a guard in Chicago.

The Minnesota Timberwolves have been big-game hunting for a point guard.

There were rumors that they inquired about Memphis’ Ja Morant, have kicked the tires on Kyrie Irving, and now have their sights set on a more realistic target. That’s where the Bulls come in.

Joe Cowley – Chicago Sun-Times

Coby White entered the NBA at just 19 years old, but he made an immediate impact for a 2019-2020 Chicago Bulls team that won just 22 games (of 65) during a rookie season shortened by the pandemic, averaging 13.2 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.7 points per game.

After a couple more seasons of losing while White developed his NBA game, the Bulls tried to make an a run at Eastern Conference contention in 2022-23, after acquiring DeMar DeRozan that offseason.

With the arrival of Patrick Beverley, and the arrival of another young talent, Ayo Dosunmu, White’s production plummeted to the lowest of his career (9.7 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 2.8 APG). Worse yet, the Bulls finished under .500 yet again.

Since then, not even a roster stacked with young backcourt talent has been able to hold Coby White back from becoming a problem for NBA opponents. In 2023-24, the former UNC standout was back up to averaging 19.1 points per game (4.5 RPG, 5.1 APG), a number that rose to 20.4 (3.7 RPG, 4.5 APG) in 2024-25.

Coby White with the nastiest layup i’ve seen in a while 🔥 👀 pic.twitter.com/FfILAIOl9a

— BullsMuse (@BullsMuse_) December 6, 2025

Related: Anthony Edwards EXTREMELY Confident He Can Carry Timberwolves

But now, after the 25-year-old sat out the first part of the Bulls season with a calf injury, Chicago is 2-5 since Coby White returned to the floor, and 9-14 on the season. And if the losing continues, they’ll have no choice but to put up the “For Sale” sign on the in-season trade deadline market, in which White would be the first to go.

Bulls want to wait on Coby White, Wolves do not

But there’s a caveat. Minnesota doesn’t want to wait until the deadline. Tim is reportedly itching to make a deal right now and seemingly has an ultimatum-style offer on the table for Bulls executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas, to get the deal done right now.

According to Cowley’s source, the Wolves’ offer has Coby White heading West on I-94 — with Donte DiVincenzo, Terrence Shannon Jr (plus at least one draft pick) heading the East.

According to a source, Coby White has been inquired about, and time is of the essence in the Bulls making a decision. The source said that Minnesota is not looking to wait until February and the trade deadline to get a deal done, looking to fix the primary ball-handling situation that’s been an issue all season long for them.

If the ship is sinking like it has the last few weeks, why not start playing that card to bring in different bodies but also try and add future draft assets?

Joe Cowley – Chicago Sun-Times

It doesn’t sound like there is a good reason behind why the Bulls would turn this Timberwolves trade offer down. Even Cowley, a Bulls reporter, is struggling to find a way out of for Chicago, given what Minnesota has on the table.

MN Timberwolves offer for Coby White too good for Bulls to say no?

Yes, White gives the Bulls depth and flexibility, but so would the addition of DiVincenzo and Shannon Jr. Karnisovas may “like to zig when the world has been screaming for him to zag”, as the Chicago Sun-Times writer lays out, but this deal may be too good to turn down..

Nonetheless, it sounds like a Bulls loss on Friday on the road in Charlotte could be enough to push their head decision-makers to take the Minnesota Timberwolves offer sitting in front of them.

Throw in a draft pick [with DiVincenzo and Shannon Jr], and Karnisovas at least has to weigh his options.

Then again, the executive has spent his six years in this chair with the Bulls zigging when the world has been screaming for him to zag.

Either way, the Bulls game in Charlotte is taking on a bit more magnitude than just a Dec. 12 regular-season contest, and the clock is ticking.

Joe Cowley – Chicago Sun-Times

The Wolves continue to get better, as the year goes on and the rotation gets used to having Anthony Edwards run the point. But the experiment is still ongoing.

Because yes, the Timberwolves are winning. But Ant is still struggling to figure out how to best operate as the team’s primary ball-handler. In the past two wins, Edwards — who is averaging 28.1 points per game — has scored a combined 26 points.

Minnesota Timberwolves still searching for elite point guard help

By the end of the regular season, it’s very possible Edwards and the MN Timberwolves figure out the best ways to take advantage of the superstar’s new role. But behind the scenes, president of basketball operations Tim Connelly has made it pretty clear that he’s not interested in betting on that reality coming to fruition.

The Timberwolves are a team on the verge of true contention in the rugged Western Conference. They have been active in trade rumors, as they seek an elite point guard to pair with franchise cornerstone Anthony Edwards.

Scoop B Robinson – scoopb.com

Since the start of the NBA season, when it became clear that the Rob Dillingham was not ready to step into a significant role in the point guard rotation, we’ve continually seen the Timberwolves connected to possibly available ball-handlers.

Just a couple of weeks ago, insiders around the league were connecting Minnesota to Ja Morant, who can’t seem to get things right out in Memphis. But according to NBA insider Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson, the Ja Morant dream is dead.

Timberwolves + Ja Morant dream is dead

Morant has publicly made it clear he wants to stay with the Grizzlies, who are not shopping their troubled 26-year-old All-NBA talent.

While many have suggested that Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant would be a fit in Minnesota, sources on the Morant side have repeatedly shared with me that he wants to remain a member of the Memphis Grizzlies. This commitment, combined with Memphis’s public stance of not shopping their star, has made a Morant trade highly unlikely.

Scoop B Robinson – scoopb.com

So, where is Connelly’s PG hunt going to turn next? Well, Robinson has that answer as well, and he’s pointing to another Western Conference team struggling to find victories early this year… and one that’s became synonymous with league-altering trades recently.

After the Dallas Mavericks shocked the basketball world by dealing Luka Doncic to LA Lakers, before they landed the No. 1 overall draft pick and used it to select Cooper Flagg, the new-look Mavs have started the 2025-26 season with a 9-16 overall record.

The Mavs are currently outside-looking-in on the Western Conference playoff/play-in picture, sitting 11th in the standings. Thus, rumors have been swirling around whether or not the Mavericks will finish what their former GM Nico Harrison started.

Dallas got back in the win column Sunday night in an impressive win over Houston, but if their losing ways continue or Anthony Davis can’t stay healthy, it’s possible Dallas could be forced to blow up things up by trading Davis and Kyrie Irving before the February 5 trade deadline.

MN Timberwolves want Kyrie Irving

And if that happens, according to Scoop B Robinson, the Minnesota Timberwolves want in on Kyrie trade talks.

A name that has been quietly floated to me [for the Timberwolves] is one that brings with it the pedigree of an NBA Champion and an elite shot-creator: Kyrie Irving.

A well-placed and respected NBA fixture shared a belief that Irving, when healthy, would be the missing piece for Minnesota.

The fixture told me that “Irving in Minnesota makes the Timberwolves a contender” and that the combination of Anthony Edwards and Kyrie Irving is potent enough for the team to legitimately contend in the West.

Scoop B Robinson – scoopb.com

Kyrie Irving seems like he has been in the league forever, mostly because he has. When he plays his first game this season, it will be the official start of his 15th year in the NBA.

But Irving — who has spent all of the 2025-26 season rehabbing from a torn ACL he suffered during the 2024-25 NBA season — is just 33 years old. Prior to his devastating March knee injury, Irving averaged 24.7 points, 5.1 assists and 3.7 rebounds per game last season.

I just want to watch Kyrie Irving play basketball pic.twitter.com/P5EzlYDB6p

— MFFL NATION (@NationMffl) November 24, 2025

Related: Anthony Edwards Sets MN Timberwolves Franchise Record

Without a doubt, a healthy Kyrie would make the Minnesota Timberwolves a bona fide NBA title contender. There is no official timetable for when the 9x All-Star could return to the basketball floor, but the latest reports say it’s coming sometime next year, possibly as early as January.

Anthony Edwards wants Kyrie Irving in Minnesota

But it isn’t just Tim Connelly who wants to get a deal done for Kyrie Irving. According to Robinson, Anthony Edwards would love to see such a talent land in Minnesota, and that he is even advocating for the move.

Crucially, they also shared that Anthony Edwards himself is advocating for the move.

I followed up on this line of thinking with a source on the Timberwolves’ side to gauge the internal perspective on a potential pairing. The response was telling.

“Ant has a mutual respect for Kyrie and for what he’s done in this league,” a Timberwolves source with knowledge tells me. “If Kyrie came it would be sweet.”

Scoop B Robinson – scoopb.com

As of now, the Dallas Mavericks have made it very clear that they have no interest in trading Kyrie Irving. But it’s very possible that, without their starting point guard on the floor, the Mavs could fall too far out of the Western Conference playoff race for that to matter.

If Dallas isn’t a serious contender by the time Irving is ready to return, it’s plausible he could start to force the Mavs hand, something we’ve seen him do at multiple stops during his career.

Because it’s obvious to anyone asked the question… Kyrie + Edwards with the Minnesota Timberwolves would be a PROBLEM for the rest of the league.

HISTORIC OUTPUT FOR ANT EDWARDS IN HIS LAST 6 GAMES!

🐜 230 PTS (38.3 PPG)
🐜 30 3PM
🐜 55.6 FG%
🐜 48.4 3P%

He joins Stephen Curry (5x) and Kyrie Irving as the ONLY players in NBA history with 230+ PTS and 30+ 3PM on 55/45 shooting splits in a 6-game stretch 🤯 pic.twitter.com/hFAL8E1B7S

— NBA (@NBA) December 4, 2025

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?

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.

Related: Anthony Edwards New Shoes Leaked

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.

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)

Related: Timberwolves Sign Former Tim Connelly Draft Pick; Reward Jaylen Clark

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.

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.

Related: Report: Timberwolves Big Man Seeking New Contract This Offseason

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.

Related: 3 Minnesota Timberwolves Problems Solved vs the Nuggets

The Minnesota Timberwolves’ spacing problem

The loss of Karl-Anthony Towns and the arrival of Randle has had a predictable impact. Minnesota’s lack of spacing takes away driving lanes for Anthony Edwards. It’s why the Timberwolves shoot the eighth-worst percentage on drives to the basket (45.5 percent). Last season they were top-10 (50.1 percent). Edwards often has to beat three players en route to the rim now.

You could argue that Naz Reid should be starting over Randle. Reid helps spread the floor and is basically the same player as Randle based on net rating, except he’s the better ball handler, the better rebounder, and the better shooter. But ESPN’s Kevin Pelton has floated a Julius Randle trade that would undoubtedly improve the Minnesota Timberwolves’ spacing.

Another possib[le fit for Jerami Grant] would be if the Timberwolves are interested in swapping Julius Randle for Grant in pursuit of improved floor spacing with their starting five. Portland could get out of Grant’s contract entirely if Randle declines his $29.5 million player option for 2025-26.

-Kevin Pelton, ESPN (subscription required)

Would the Timberwolves really start Jerami Grant over Naz Reid?

Why Pelton thinks Grant would start over Naz Reid, I don’t know. Grant has a net rating of -7.8 but he does shoot close to 38 percent from three. Reid shoots 41 percent, though. Grant also has a rebound percentage of five. Five! Reid rebounds at double that rate.

Even if Grant comes off the bench for Minnesota he’d provide better spacing given his three-point shooting. He shoots more than six per game, so teams would have to respect that threat. Paying Grant $34 million to come off the bench would be a bit wild, but if the Timberwolves can rehab Grant into a 20-point scorer again, they could flip him before next season.

Related: Does a Jerami Grant for Julius Randle Trade Make Sense for the Minnesota Timberwolves?

Jerami Grant improves the MN Timberwolves’ salary cap situation

A Julius Randle trade for Jerami Grant does allow the MN Timberwolves to stay above the salary cap for a bit longer. If Randle doesn’t pick up his $29.5-million player option for next season, Minnesota would be unable to add a max contract given their luxury tax status. These max contracts are like golden trade chips these days, so having one, even a bad one, ain’t so bad.

The Timberwolves do need to sign Naz Reid and impending free agent Nickeil Alexander-Walker. They have up to $8.78 million in trade exceptions available to sign Alexander-Walker. Perhaps Grant provides Minnesota the ability to stay above the luxury tax AND eventually sign Naz Reid long term.

Regardless, it would put a team on the floor that would benefit the Timberwolves’ superstar, Anthony Edwards. It is also projected to increase the Timberwolves’ win total by one this season, according to ESPN’s NBA Trade Machine.

We talked about 10 Julius Randle trades the ESPN NBA Trade Machine deemed successful on the latest live episode of Minnesota Foul Play-by-play. Jerami Grant wasn’t one of them, but there were at least a couple we liked. I didn’t like this one upon hearing it, but if it results in a long-term deal for Naz Reid, bring on Jerami Grant.

We used to complain about Towns’ one out-of-control, dribble-drive move; now we complain about Julius Randle’s perpetually loose handle. Now Towns is starting in an NBA All-Star Game that Julius Randle won’t garnish an invitation.

Meanwhile, Mike Conley Jr. and Rudy Gobert are shells of their younger selves, and we are all still waiting for Jaden McDaniels – who is still inconsistent offensively – to blossom like he was once projected to.

Minnesota Timberwolves insiders downplay Julius Randle trade rumors

Much like the Minnesota Wild, the Timberwolves are deep in salary cap hell. That’s why Towns is now in New York and Julius Randle is here. Minnesota is in the second apron of the salary cap luxury tax as a result, and can’t take on money in a trade.

That makes the chances Randle gets dealt before the NBA trade deadline on Feb. 6 unlikely, according to multiple reports, including this from local insider Darren Wolfson (KSTP) on the Mackey & Judd Show (SKOR North).

I haven’t heard of a whole lot of Julius Randle trade interest. I just haven’t. Not poo-pooing the idea completely, but right now, just haven’t heard a whole lot of steam on that front.”

-Darren Wolfson – Mackey & Judd Show (SKOR North)

Related: Anthony Edwards Rips Timberwolves Starters; Reveals Two Recurring Flaws

Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic is hearing the same kind of things, and believes the Minnesota Timberwolves should and likely will “stand pat” at the NBA trade deadline, due to the multitude of restrictions they are under, as a 2nd apron luxury tax team. What about that Julius Randle trade? It’s not even on the Wolves insider’s radar.

The problem is they are a second-apron team, which severely restricts their ability to make trades. They also don’t have a ton of ammunition to make offers, so the likelihood of landing an impact player is low. Yes, the Julius Randle fit has been awkward, but I think there are bigger problems the Wolves have to solve.

I don’t see a trade out there that makes the Wolves markedly better or a sell move that drastically improves their position going forward without them incentivizing a team to help them. It may not be popular, but it may be what makes the most sense.

-Jon Krawczynski, The Athletic (subscription required)

Why is trading Randle so difficult?

The reason why the Minnesota Timberwolves can’t find a trade partner for Julius Randle isn’t only because of the salary situation. It’s because Randle has mostly stunk. Last season he averaged 24 points per game. This year he’s scoring 19. He’s taken almost four fewer two-point attempts per game and is getting to the foul line less as a result.

Related: Rumor: Julius Randle Disgruntled After Timberwolves Cut His Minutes

Randle is also bad defensively, averaging 113 points allowed per 100 possessions. That’s way worse than Karl-Anthony Towns’ 109 defensive rating. Randle is also collecting two fewer rebounds per game this season as well. He’s been picked on by Minnesota Timberwolves’ opponents so much in clutch time he’s sitting more in the fourth quarter, too.

This is the new normal for Minnesota Timberwolves fans and could be next season as well. Randle has a player option worth more than $33 million next year. Given how he’s played, it wouldn’t be surprising if he picked up that option.