New LeBron James Rumors Reveal Wolves Free-Agent Pitch to NBA Icon Amid 'Ramped Up' Contract Pursuit

The Minnesota Timberwolves have "ramped up" their pursuit of LeBron James in free agency, per Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic.

"The Minnesota Timberwolves have ramped up their push for LeBron James, with full belief that they are very much in the hunt to land one of the greatest players in NBA history, league sources told The Athletic. 

"The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity to describe ongoing deliberations, said the Timberwolves have been in contact with James' representatives with a bold pitch: team up with Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball, Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert to go after the kind of championship that could end any discussion about who is the greatest player of all time."

Minnesota is in the mix based on comments that James' agent, Klutch Sports Founder and CEO Rich Paul, made on his "Game Over" podcast with Max Kellerman.

Paul discussed potential landing spots for James with Kellerman via a white board. For what it's worth, five teams were featured in the middle and more prominently than the rest: the Miami Heat, the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Denver Nuggets, the Philadelphia 76ers and the Timberwolves.

Minnesota is a unique team for James to consider. On paper, Minnesota is probably in the second tier of the Western Conference right now behind the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs. James could elevate the Wolves, who have stars on offense (Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball) and defense (Rudy Gobert, Jaden McDaniels). He would be a great fit in that lineup.

The Timberwolves' problem is that they have a lot of competition for James' services. Paul told ESPN's Dave McMenamin that he has spoken with 27 teams about James. But Minnesota is firmly in the mix.