On Thursday, there were LOUD rumblings that president Tim Connelly was open to moving the Wolves’ second round pick, which was the first pick of the new round (31st overall). Not only did Minnesota find a trade partner for their 31st pick, but Connelly had more up his sleeve too.

Phoenix Suns give Minnesota Timberwolves great value for No. 31

Ultimately, the Phoenix Suns came calling with the best deal on the table, trading the Timberwolves No. 36 overall, along with a pair of future second rounders, netting Connelly tremendous value for nothing more than moving back five spots.

The Minnesota Timberwolves are trading the first pick in tonight’s NBA draft — No. 31 — to the Phoenix Suns for No. 36 and two future second-round picks, sources tell ESPN. Suns continue rebuild by moving up to 31 and 41 in draft — send out 36, 52, 59 and two future seconds.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 26, 2025

Related: ESPN Expert Crowns Wolves as 1st Round NBA Draft Winner

With the first pick in the second round, Phoenix took St. Joseph’s forward Rasheer Fleming, who most expected to go somewhere after pick 15 in round one. The trade allowed Minnesota additional ammunition, which Connelly turned around and traded again.

Lakers trade for MN Timberwolves 36th pick

It came down to the wire, with the Minnesota Timberwolves using up all of their time on the clock. But in the end, Connelly opted against picking at 36 as well, instead opting to trade the pick to the Los Angeles Lakers for the 45th pick and some straight cash homie.

The Lakers sent No. 45 and cash to the Timberwolves, sources said. https://t.co/g9zjPtCNSt

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 27, 2025

Los Angeles ended up taking Arkansas forward Adou Thiero at 45. His selection came just after March Madness star Johni Broome from Auburn. At No. 45, Minnesota finally made their second draft pick of the week, selecting Australian big man, Rocco Zikarski.

On its face, moving back 9 spots just for cash considerations seems like an odd move, especially after the Wolves got such great value in their first deal of the night. But when you realize how up against the 2nd apron of the luxury tax Minnesota is… the deal starts to make more sense.

In other words, Wolves president of basketball operations Tim Connelly and the rest of the organization turned their focus to the 2025-26 season a while ago.

Yet, if this offseason was one of 10,000+ lakes in the state of Minnesota on a hot summer day, an already sunburnt Chris Finch would still be stuck at the boat landing, holding onto the dock.

Meanwhile, his PoBO has been sitting with the key in the ignition for what feels like hours, going through all of his phone contacts trying ever-more desperately to figure out where this franchise wants to go and what exactly it is they are trying to accomplish on the NBA offseason lake this summer.

Minnesota Timberwolves fail to reel in Kevin Durant

Of course we all know why the Wolves’ boat is still stuck at GO. Because the first thing on Connelly’s itinerary was some serious big game fishing out near the rocky, desert-like beaches of Phoenix Suns Bay, specifically in search for one elusive trophy he’s been chasing since last trade deadline — Kevin Durant.

Unfortunately, Tim never figured out exactly where in those waters KD was located, or even what bait may get him to bite. And now, another team has beat him to his trophy, according to Shams Charania (ESPN).

Late Sunday morning, the stars aligned for the Houston Rockets who finally reeled in Durant, unloading Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks and the No. 10 overall pick in next week’s NBA Draft, in order to fit KD into their live well.

BREAKING: The Phoenix Suns are trading two-time NBA Finals MVP Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick in the 2025 draft and five second-round picks, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/EwrbA2ES9O

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 22, 2025

At the end of the day, no matter how hard you try or how desperate you might be, it’s tough to catch something that seemingly wants nothing to do with every jig, minnow and wax worm you tie on the end of your line.

As bad as the Minnesota Timberwolves wanted Kevin Durant to get them over their WCF hump, the interest was not mutual. So now that he has been landed by another boat, maybe we’ll learn more about why KD did everything within his power to avoid Minnesota, which in case you haven’t heard, freezes over the winter.

Related: Anthony Edwards Not Helping Timberwolves Woo Kevin Durant

The good news about today’s ending to this latest KD trade saga is that, whether he likes it or not, Tim Connelly can now start up the Timberwolves’ offseason motor and get this boat heading in the right direction, even if Finchy is already half-burnt and ready to go back to shore, where a Julius Randle extension is waiting for them.

So… where will the 36-year-old former No. 2 overall draft pick end up? Brian Windhorst (ESPN) reported on Wednesday that the Minnesota Timberwolves seem to have a deal locked and loaded that he believes could force the Phoenix Suns’ hand.

Is a Kevin Durant trade still going to happen?

Of course, it’s well known by now that Durant does not want to play for the Wolves, which is believed to be the main reason why a trade between Minnesota and Phoenix hasn’t already been consummated.

But as far as we know, the Suns are still trying to complete a Durant trade by the time round one of the NBA Draft tips off Wednesday, June 25 at 7 p.m. CDT. Thus, most still believe a Kevin Durant trade is imminent over the coming days. Where will he ultimately be traded to, though?

Related: Anthony Edwards Not Helping Timberwolves Woo Kevin Durant

Oftentimes — when sports fans want more insight into what is happening around them, whether it be the likelihood their favorite team will win that day or the Minnesota Timberwolves will land Kevin Durant — they turn to sportsbooks for guidance. So, what do the sports betting gods have to say about KD’s eventual landing spot?

The Wolves started as longshot underdogs to land Durant, weeks ago. But then, after chatter picked up connecting the two sides last week, they skyrocketed up the odds board, all the way up to -130 favorites just days ago.

Sportsbooks no longer high on KD to Minnesota Timberwolves… or anywhere else

But now, given what’s been reported the past couple days, it appears DraftKings has no idea where this Kevin Durant rollercoaster ride ends either. At least, that’s what their latest odds say.

Late Thursday morning, the Minnesota Timberwolves still sit near the top of the board, at +350, right behind Houston (+250) and tied with Miami (+350). San Antonio remains in the hunt, too, along with a new team, the Toronto Raptors.

According to Shams Charania (ESPN), the Minnesota Timberwolves remain deep in trade talks with the Phoenix Suns, as do the other handful of teams near the top of the betting odds tables. While it feels like negotiations have fallen into a lull, insiders like Shams remain adamant that a deal could happen at any moment.

And after things quieted down between the Wolves and Durant over the past couple weeks, they quickly picked up again on Wednesday when reports broke that Minnesota was once again one of the main pursuers of KD, along with the San Antonio Spurs and Houston Rockets, with others also in the mix.

Confirmed: Minnesota Timberwolves want Kevin Durant badly

But on Thursday, Darren “Doogie” Wolfson (KSTP) went on the Mackey & Judd show for his regular Thursday Scoops appearance, where he noted that the Minnesota Timberwolves are more than flirting with Durant. He described it as “a love fest” and said that the Wolves are very much in on the KD bidding war.

“It’s absolutely more than a flirtation, however you want to describe it. ‘Love fest’, ‘affair’, I don’t know how you exactly want to term it, but the Wolves are very much in on Kevin Durant.”

“This morning somebody who is very plugged in whose professional livelihood is working in the game maybe not necessarily firsthand with all this stuff but has his finger on the pulse of a lot of what’s happening in the league…he texted me this morning. I will read it verbatim. ‘I’m hearing Minnesota is very much in play for Kevin Durant’.”

Darren Wolfson – Mackey & Judd (SKOR North)

Last season, Kevin Durant was his same old self, even at his ever-advancing age, averaging 26.6 points, 6 rebounds and 4.2 assists in 36.5 minutes per game. Everyone is well aware of how much Anthony Edwards looks up to Durant and how close the two became when they played together for Team USA last summer.

Related: Minnesota Timberwolves Among Teams to Deny New York Knicks

But while Doogie starts off his KD talk hot, proclaiming that the Wolves are all in on their pursuit of the 17-year veteran out of Texas, he goes on to make it clear that there is one player beyond Ant and Naz Reid who Minnesota is not willing to part with via Kevin Durant trade, in any Kevin Durant

Wolves are not interested in trading away Jaden McDaniels for KD

According to the longtime local insider, the Timberwolves have not (and will not) put the 24-year-old “Slim Reaper” Jaden McDaniels on the table in talks with the Suns. Others, including a combination of Rudy Gobert, Donte DiVincenzo, Rob Dillingham and Terrance Shannon Jr are all in the conversations.

The 2020 1st round pick out of Washington averaged 12.2 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2 assists per game in 2024-25, while asserting himself again as one of the best wing defenders in the league.

“If Rudy is the money to help make this work, I think you have to do it. Now, if you’re running the Suns front office, aren’t you asking for Terren Shannon Jr or is it Rob Dillingham going out and you’re able to keep Shannon Jr. Is that the idea?

But I have yet to hear that Jaden McDaniels is on the table [in talks with Phoenix]…if somehow Milwaukee made Giannis available, okay you put Jaden on the table. I think a lot of people understand that you’re not putting Jaden on the table in a Kevin Durant trade.

So if KD ends up in Houston or San Antonio or somewhere else, fine so be it. I’d be okay with that. I’m not giving up Jaden. More importantly, I have zero sense the Wolves would give up Jaden McDaniels.”

Darren Wolfson – Mackey & Judd (SKOR North)

Unfortunately for the Wolves, the NBA offseason waits for nobody. And with the 2025 draft set to take place June 25, it’s very possible Minnesota is forced to make massive on-court decisions regarding their future, even before they’ve officially settled everything going on at the ownership and executive levels.

Phoenix Suns trying to complete Kevin Durant trade before NBA Draft

The biggest example of that is the imminent trade of Kevin Durant, who the Phoenix Suns are expected to move before the start of the draft in two weeks, so they can take full advantage of whatever draft picks they acquire in the deal, according to Shams Charania (ESPN), among others.

Suns officials and [Kevin Durant’s business partner – Rich Kleiman] will continue to meet on trade conversations — with talks expected to escalate before the NBA draft later this month.

Shams Charania – ESPN

KD — who averaged 26.6 points, 6 rebounds and 4.2 assists in 62 games last season — doesn’t really want to play in Phoenix anymore, and even if he was, the Suns can’t really afford to keep him, if they want to escape the current luxury tax hell the sit in, which is by far the most pressing of any team in the league.

Even before the offseason got started, reports of mutual interest between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Kevin Durant have been everywhere. Up until two weeks ago, they were in a virtual tie with Houston and San Antonio as favorites to land KD.

Minnesota Timberwolves + Durant rumors heat back up

Over the past couple weeks, however, their odds have been plummeting, as Suns/Rockets and Suns/Spurs talks heated up behind the scenes. On Wednesday, however, Shams came out with a new report that has the Timberwolves squarely still in the running for KD.

The Phoenix Suns and Kevin Durant‘s business partner, Boardroom CEO Rich Kleiman, have met multiple times over the past week and are sifting through trade scenarios, sources told ESPN on Wednesday.

The two sides are expected to work together on potential destinations.

Teams that have expressed interest in Durant, sources said, mainly feature the Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs, Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves and New York Knicks. Several wild-card suitors have made inquiries on Durant in the past seven to 10 days, sources said.

Shams Charania – ESPN

"The teams that are mainly featured right now that have interest in Kevin Durant … the Houston Rockets, the San Antonio Spurs, the Miami Heat the Minnesota Timberwolves and the New York Knicks."@ShamsCharania details the teams interested in trading for KD ✍️ @PatMcAfeeShow pic.twitter.com/SdLuJM0eIt

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 11, 2025

At this moment, the San Antonio Spurs remain the overwhelming betting favorites to land Durant, at -160 (DK). Since Shams’ report came out, the Wolves have climbed back to +750, from +850. The Rockets remain ahead of them. but behind the Spurs, at +600.

Related: Minnesota Timberwolves Among Teams to Deny New York Knicks

So if you have a feeling that Kevin Durant will find his way to Minnesota this offseason, now is the time to put your money where your mouth is. Because if he ends up here, the steam leading up to the actual trade will push odds further in the Wolves’ favor rather soon.

Jonny K adds fuel to Timberwolves + Kevin Durant fire

If you still aren’t convinced that the Wolves stand a legitimate chance at landing Kevin Durant, then you might want to take a look at what longtime Minnesota Timberwolves beat writer Jon Krawczynski tweeted today,.

Minnesota was heavily involved in February and will continue to look hard at Durant. https://t.co/cAbLpXv8l3

— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) June 11, 2025

Quote tweeting Shams’ report, Jon made it very clear that the Wolves remain serious contenders in the KD sweepstakes. And given how pluggin-in Krawczynski is, you wouldn’t catch me dead betting against Tim Connelly and his magic deal-making abilities.

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.

The Ishbias’ interest is a big deal for a lot of reasons, but what will strike a cord with Twins fans most, is their willingness to invest into the Suns, while simultaneously saving money for Phoenix fans.

Minnesota Twins prospective buyers are for the people

Right after purchasing the Suns, at the end of December, 2022, they turned around and traded for Kevin Durant, lifting Phoenix immediately into NBA Finals conversations among league talking heads. Since then, the Suns have consistently been near the top of the NBA in roster salary and luxury tax penalties paid.

This season, Ishbia is projected (according to Spotrac.com) to pay $409 million total, between salaries and tax penalties. That’s $110 million more than the 2nd highest total, $299 million by our own Minnesota Timberwolves

Meanwhile, sick of dealing with outdated regional sports network, Bally Sports Arizona, Mat Ishbia announced in May 2023 that the Phoenix Suns were done holding their fans hostage with RSN fees. Instead, they were taking games over the air… where fans could watch them for free.

Related: Minnesota Twins Sale Suddenly on an Expedited Timeline

That’s right, if you can reach local TV towers with your bunny ears in Arizona (or if your cable/satellite package includes local news channels), you can watch Phoenix Suns basketball games. But RSNs aren’t the only anti-fan problem with professional sports today, according to the Ishbias.

Ishbia Brothers: ‘Down with absurd concession costs!’

On Wednesday, Mat Ishbia announced that you no longer have to be a billionaire to afford concession costs at Phoenix Suns games. From here on out, those attending Footprint Center in Phoenix for Suns games will be able to buy popcorn, fountain pop, bottled water, chips and hot dogs for $2 each, down 70%+ for all of those basic concession items.

Winning starts with our fans. When I walk the concourse at games there aren’t food options for families who don’t want to spend a lot of money. That needs to change, so today we’re rolling out our $2 value menu for all home @Suns games. pic.twitter.com/BsluNoKD5P

— Mat Ishbia (@Mishbia15) December 18, 2024

This is what it looks like when an ownership group gets it. Instead of alienating your fanbase by making your team more difficult to watch, or charging them hundreds and hundreds of dollars to attend and enjoy a game, if they come to the stadium may help boost profit margins in the short-term, but it does nothing for the longevity of your business plan.

Owning a sports franchise in 2024-25 is about growing the popularity of your team. The NBA, NFL and MLB are printing money. Teams are worth 1000x more than they were three decades ago, and that is because of fan interest. Lose that, and you lose everything.

Related: Veteran Infielder Named as Realistic Free Agent Target for Minnesota Twins

So what’s more important? It’s pleasing fans. The Ishbias understand that. So let us pray they get to rain some of these good owner practices down on Minnesota Twins fans, in the near future. No fanbase deserves good ownership more.

But, the Suns fought their way back, as expected, even taking a 10 point lead themselves, at one point in the 2nd quarter. But the 1st half story wasn’t the back and forth of the two teams. Instead, it was about Anthony Edwards’ quiet effectiveness, even without scoring, and his ability to trust his teammates, something that would become a trend as the night wore on.

Suns can’t hang with Minnesota Timberwolves again

In all reality, you could call tonight “the Jaden McDaniels game” (25 points, 8 rebounds) or “the Mike Conley game” (18 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals). Either would suffice.

And after Jaden broke his hand prior to last season’s playoff series vs the Denver Nuggets, tonight could play a massive role in pushing McDaniels’ confidence to the next level, something we’ve been waiting on for a year or two.

Jaden McDaniels turnaround fadeaway jumper over Kevin Durant pic.twitter.com/BWFhds7iV2

— Timberwolves Clips (@WolvesClips) April 24, 2024

The Wolves entered halftime down by one point, even with Ant scoring just six points in those first two quarters. But again, that doesn’t mean he wasn’t efficient (+15) and patient. He realized early that his teammates were feeling good and that the Suns’ defense was going to make things tough for him.

So, he found his hot teammates all night long and let them carry it home, finishing with 15 points, 8 assists and 5 rebounds. And when the Wolves needed a basket a few times when the game was close (or when a random fan in the stands called for him to iso Kevin Durant), Ant became Ant.

my man in the crowd demanding ant go to work against kd. ant says you got it. pic.twitter.com/FDdU0tSlxj

— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) April 24, 2024

But even more than good team offense, tonight’s win was an impressive showing of 2nd half defense and composure, neither of which the Phoenix Suns had in their bag for game 2. By the time the 4th quarter got rolling, this one was over. And when the final buzzer sounded, it was another 10+ point (105-93) Minnesota dub.

Related: What Did Anthony Edwards Say to Kevin Durant in Viral Trash Talking Clip from Game 1?

The problem with playing against the Timberwolves, and I feel like we will see this throughout the playoffs, is that when they decide to clamp down on defense, there’s almost nothing that opponents can do to keep the Wolves Sharks at bay. I mean, what is an offense supposed to do against this?

Jaden McDaniels + Nickeil Alexander-Walker on-ball defense, leading to the Rudy Gobert block

Jaden McDaniels corner 3, assisted by Nickeil Alexander-Walker

Great two-way sequence, Target Center loves it pic.twitter.com/mTP2YVo1K9

— Timberwolves Clips (@WolvesClips) April 24, 2024

I know that a series doesn’t technically begin until a road team wins a game, but it’s difficult to watch what unfolded in the first two games and have any belief that the Suns have the firepower needed to hang with the Wolves for four quarters.

But, desperate teams are unpredictable and that’s exactly what Phoenix will be on Friday, when this team meets for game three down in the desert. If Minnesota can find a way to victory, though, a sweep will feel inevitable.

But Kendrick Perkins (ESPN) tried to warn us all week that we had nothing to worry about. Yes, the Suns weren’t the best matchup for the Wolves in round one. But… this is the best defensive team in the league AND more importantly, we have Anthony Edwards and the Suns does not.

Anthony Edward celebrates coming of age party vs Suns

When you’re right, you’re right. Ant may have slowed down a bit to end the season but there’s a reason why he’s a legitimate MVP candidate this year and pretty much a guaranteed lock to win the award, in the future. The Wolves started to show their dominance at the end of the first half, but by the 3rd quarter, Ant started cooking… and letting Kevin Durant know.

Anthony Edwards cooking Kevin Durant 😮‍💨🔥 pic.twitter.com/UmIzDW4PIg

— Shannonnn sharpes Burner (PARODY Account) (@shannonsharpeee) April 20, 2024

Anthony Edwards is inevitable. #RaisedByWolves // #NBA pic.twitter.com/70wlVLRBV4

— Bally Sports North (@BallySportsNOR) April 20, 2024

When all was said and done, Edwards finished with 33 points on 14-24 from the field (4-8 3PT), to go along with 9 rebounds and 6 assists and the Timberwolves walked away with a 120-95 victory. The lead was so large during the 4th quarter that Ant didn’t have to play half of it.

It wasn’t just Edwards. The defense team-wide was suffocating and Rudy Gobert (14 points, 16 rebounds) might have played one of the low-key best postseason games of his impressive NBA career.

Minnesota Timberwolves 1, Phoenix Suns 0

Nikeal Walker-Alexander contributed 18 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists off the bench, Naz Reid added 12 too and the Minnesota bench completely dominated the Phoenix bench, exposing a serious depth problem for the Suns during the rest of this series. Why stop there? Karl-Anthony Towns was impressive too (19 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists).

Related: Justin Jefferson in Attendance at Target Center for Timberwolves vs Suns – Game 1

But today’s dominant performance against the Suns was about blossoming superstar, Anthony Edwards and his coming out party. The 22-year-old Georgia kid made it clear that there isn’t one player in this league who is better than he is, including his Team USA teammate and childhood idol, Kevin Durant.

Æ, CLEARED FOR TAKE OFF. 🚀 pic.twitter.com/gJKma8qFv0

— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) April 20, 2024

Not to be a prisoner of the moment but this was legitimately one of the greatest basketball moments of my life.

Anthony Edwards is the fucking truth.
pic.twitter.com/k6vZJ9xEXR

— Kyle Theige (@KyleTheige) April 20, 2024

Much like Kyle, I’m trying not to get ahead of myself, because this is a 7-game series that we were supposed to be buckling in for. And it’s very possible it could still end up being just that.

Related: Woj Drops Update on Timberwolves ‘Ownership War’ During Loaded NBA Countdown Segment

But tonight… man… tonight it certainly feels like there’s absolutely no chance that this Phoneix Suns team can hang with the talent, depth and Anthony Edwards that this Minnesota Timberwolves team is going to mob you with night in and night out the rest of this series.

But now that the playoffs are here, we have to hope the Wolves are prepared to throw all of that out the window, because this team can’t afford to lose three games in a row to the Suns anymore. Otherwise, they’ll be in serious danger of yet another first-round elimination (11th in franchise history).

But the Timberwolves didn’t lead the Western Conference for most of the season, just to flop in the playoffs. That’s not why Tim Connelly assembled this roster. So what do the Timberwolves need to do to overcome the Suns in a best-of-7 playoff series? Let’s take a look.

Timberwolves’ size needs to be an advantage, not disadvantage

At the end of the day, this series will likely come down to playing style. If the Wolves can slow the game down and use their size as an advantage, it’s difficult to see Phoenix coming out on top.

But, if the Suns are able to turn this series into a track meet that forces KAT and Rudy to lumber up and down the floor more often than they are anchoring the paint… the next couple weeks will be hard to watch for Wolves fans.

The Timberwolves need to play an old-school brand of basketball against the Suns. Make Kevin Durant guard KAT down low. Make him bang down low for rebounds with Rudy Gobert. Then, get back on defense and force them to play in the halfcourt. Here’s former Timberwolves player, coach and now NBA TV analyst, Sam Mitchell, on KSTP with Darren “Doogie” Wolfson.

Had a blast putting the quarter in the Sam Mitchell machine and listening to him analyze #Timberwolves–#Suns. Below is a snippet of our 22 min. conversation. Sam is doing well after undergoing partial knee replacement surgery on Monday. #RaisedByWolves pic.twitter.com/BNzaSwvJ58

— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) April 17, 2024

“I think for the Wolves, they gotta use their size. They gotta slow the game down, they gotta play inside-out. When they do miss, they gotta send those three big guys to the glass, and crash, so it keeps Phoenix from running out and it also makes Kevin Durant play dirty basketball. They gotta make Kevin Durant guard Karl-Anthony Towns and the only way to do that is to slow the game down and make Phoenix play a half court game.”

Sam Mitchell – KSTP interview with Darren Wolfson

Related: Timberwolves Open NBA Playoffs as 3-Seed Underdogs vs Nightmare Matchup Suns

Minnesota Timberwolves must play smart, limit turnovers

One of the biggest differences between the Suns and the Timberwolves in the regular season finale was the turnover discrepancy. Phoenix finished with 12, and Minnesota doubled that effort with 24. All five members of the starting lineup ‘contributed’ to this aspect, with Karl-Anthony Towns and Ant leading the way with five apiece. That crap can’t happen in the playoffs.

Yet, it’s been a problem all season, with the Wolves ranking 22nd in turnovers committed. Amazingly, the Suns were actually worse, ranking 25th in turnovers on the season. Sure, the Timberwolves won the turnover battle in one of their three Suns losses and tied in another, but what matters most is their recent adventure because that’s where this team is at right now.

Related: 10 Greatest Minnesota Timberwolves Players Of All-Time

If Finchy can get the Timberwolves to make smarter decisions early, they’ll have more margin for error later on when the game is on the line. But in a perfect world, the Wolves win the turnover battle, which could end up being a key factor throughout the NBA Playoffs in Minnesota.

Defend for all four quarters

Now that the Suns are coming to town, the Timberwolves need to get even tighter on defense. This is a Phoenix team that can shoot lights out. Two of their starters, Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, average 27 points per game; both rank in the top six of the NBA.

Their third All-Star, Bradley Beal, is no slouch either. While his field goal attempts are at a new career low, his effective field-goal percentage is at a new career high, and this is a player with a career scoring average of 21.8 PPG. Simply put, the Wolves can’t allow any of these three scorers to get comfortable.

To do so, it’s going to take all five players on the floor dedicating themselves to playing the same shutdown defense we’ve witnessed all season long.

Jaden McDaniels on-ball defense + Rudy Gobert block

Jaden McDaniels behind-the-back pass to Rudy Gobert for the transition dunk

Great two-way sequence pic.twitter.com/LEOBJic6jk

— Timberwolves Clips (@WolvesClips) April 11, 2024

Related: NBA Legend Jerry West Gushes Over Timberwolves; Loves Them in Playoffs

Whether it’s Edwards’ suffocating defense, McDaniels’ swarming length, or Gobert’s ability to chew up basketballs in the paint like he’s the Cookie Monster, the Timberwolves can’t afford to have mental lapses in the playoffs, and it all starts with effort. Luckily, that’s the most controllable factor in the game.

It doesn’t always take talent, sometimes it just takes hard work. Let’s hope the Minnesota Timberwolves brought their hard hats and lunch pails because they still have a long way to go before hoisting the Larry O’Brien Trophy for the first time in franchise history.

Target Center fans must bring the energy

It doesn’t matter if the Timberwolves get off to another slow start, where they find themselves down 22 points at the end of the first quarter as they were in the season finale against Phoenix. Now’s not the time to get in your feels, or feel sappy about the potential end of a magical Wolves’ season.

This is the modern NBA, where the 3-point play reigns supreme. Twenty-point leads can be erased in a matter of minutes. If the Suns can get out to a 22-point lead, then the Timberwolves can put up points in a hurry too, as we’ve seen time and time again all season long.

So, if you’re planning to attend the Target Center, you have one job. Be as loud as you f—ing can.

Athletes feed off the energy in the building, whether they’re winning or losing. A quiet atmosphere isn’t going to pull this team out of the doldrums, but exploding with excitement at every winning play that gets made could go a long way toward rebuilding the confidence of a young team that has yet to experience playoff success. As good as Anthony Edwards is, he still needs your help.