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Timberwolves Target Giannis, Offer Gobert, Randle, McDaniels

6/22/2026

Summary

Timberwolves Pursue Giannis

Minnesota Timberwolves remain one of three NBA teams pursuing Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Giannis posted 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists and has a $58.5 million contract and a $62.8 million option for 2027-28.
A Timberwolves deal would require Jaden McDaniels, Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle, making McDaniels untradable without Giannis.
The Wolves target Bulls guard Josh Giddey and will keep No. 28 pick if no trade occurs before Tuesday’s draft.

Summary

Timberwolves Secure McDaniels

The Minnesota Wolves signed Jaden McDaniels to a $26.2 million contract that runs through the 2028-29 season.
Rudy Gobert, Naz Reid and Julius Randle each secured multi-year extensions, reflecting the Wolves’ shift toward depth over a single star.
The Wolves turned down a trade that would have sent Jaden McDaniels to the Clippers for Kawhi Leonard or James Harden, limiting assets after heavy draft-capital investment.

Summary

Connelly Demands Return

Tim Connelly, now with the Timberwolves, demanded a steep return for Jaden McDaniels, saying he is untradable unless a blockbuster includes Giannis Antetokounmpo or Nikola Jokic.
Denver’s 21st-ranked defense and Minnesota’s eighth rank highlight a gap the Nuggets aim to fill with a 3-and-D wing like Marcus Smart or a big such as Isaiah Stewart.
The first-round loss to Minnesota exposed Denver’s lack of interior and perimeter defenders, prompting acquisitions.

History

Historical Context

In February 2008 the Lakers traded for Pau Gasol from Memphis, sending Kwame Brown, Javaris Crittenton, Aaron McKie, Marc Gasol’s rights and two first-round picks; the move helped Los Angeles finish 57-25 and win back-to-back titles. The Minnesota Timberwolves mirror that approach, targeting Giannis Antetokounmpo and demanding assets such as Jaden McDaniels, Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle to match his $58.5 million contract, a gamble which could reshape their window.

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Timberwolves Pursue Giannis

Minnesota Timberwolves remain one of three NBA teams pursuing Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Giannis posted 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists and has a $58.5 million contract and a $62.8 million option for 2027-28.
A Timberwolves deal would require Jaden McDaniels, Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle, making McDaniels untradable without Giannis.
The Wolves target Bulls guard Josh Giddey and will keep No. 28 pick if no trade occurs before Tuesday’s draft.

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