New Giannis Trade Rumors on Potential T-Wolves Pursuit, Anthony Edwards Pairing After Playoff Loss
The Minnesota Timberwolves are expected to rejoin the bidding war for Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo this summer after their second-round elimination by the San Antonio Spurs, according to The Athletic's Jon Krawczynski.
Krawczynski reported Saturday that Timberwolves president of basketball operations Tim Connelly "will likely try to re-engage" on Antetokounmpo trade talks "while also looking at other options around the league."
ESPN's Shams Charania previously named Timberwolves as one of the teams making offers for Antetokounmpo to the Bucks ahead of the February trade deadline.
The Bucks ultimately decided not to move Antetokounmpo, although Charania recently reported the Bucks are "open for business on trade calls and offers" on their superstar this offseason.
The Timberwolves' trade pursuit of Antetokounmpo could potentially be hampered by the franchise's lack of draft picks. The Wolves have just two tradable first-round picks available, including the No. 29 selection in the upcoming 2026 draft as well as a 2033 selection.
ESPN's Bobby Marks previously reported that Jaden McDaniels and either Julius Randle or Naz Reid would likely need to be included in a deal in order to compensate for that low draft capital stock.
Marks also reported the Wolves would need to send out $58.5 million in salary in a potential deal in order to avoid the second apron hard cap while retaining the ability to re-sign pending unrestricted free agent Ayo Dosunmu.
In that case, the Wolves would be tasked with finding new players on inexpensive contracts who could provide support around Edwards and Antetokounmpo.
The Timberwolves made consecutive Western Conference Finals appearances in 2023 and 2024, but bowed out in blowout losses both times prior to this spring's second-round elimination. The Wolves will hope whatever trades Connelly makes this summer ultimately take the franchise closer to its first NBA Finals appearance.
