Timberwolves Pursue Giannis Antetokounmpo As Trade Deadline Nears

The Minnesota Timberwolves, a franchise long searching for its breakthrough moment, are suddenly at the center of the NBA’s most electrifying trade rumors. With less than a week left before the February 5, 2026, trade deadline, insiders and fans alike are buzzing about Minnesota’s rumored pursuit of Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, while also keeping a sharp eye on more attainable upgrades to their guard rotation.

It’s not every day the Timberwolves are mentioned in the same breath as the Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks, and Miami Heat when it comes to landing a two-time NBA Finals MVP. Yet, according to a flurry of reports from respected NBA insiders Marc Stein, Jake Fischer, and ESPN’s Shams Charania, Minnesota is now considered one of the top two contenders for Antetokounmpo’s services. Miami may be the more “natural” suitor, but the Timberwolves’ stock is rising fast, thanks in large part to Giannis’ own interest in teaming up with Minnesota’s emerging superstar, Anthony Edwards.

“League sources say that the prospect of teaming up with Anthony Edwards holds strong appeal for Antetokounmpo, which led to some notable backchannel discussions in recent months that lend true legitimacy to Minnesota’s status as a potential landing spot despite the undeniable obstacles that the Timberwolves would face,” Stein and Fischer wrote earlier this week. The idea that Antetokounmpo has been quietly considering the Timberwolves since last offseason only adds fuel to the speculation fire.

ESPN’s Brian Windhorst echoed these sentiments on a recent episode of Get Up, confirming that, “He has not mentioned that for no reason. This is something that, from what I understand, that Giannis has interest in.” Windhorst went on to note that Minnesota should be taken seriously as a landing spot, either before the trade deadline or over the summer.

But let’s pump the brakes for a moment. The path to acquiring Antetokounmpo is anything but straightforward for the Timberwolves. The franchise sits just below the NBA’s restrictive Second Apron salary cap, and their cupboard of tradable first-round picks is, frankly, bare. As Windhorst put it, “The Timberwolves don’t have draft picks and don’t have the young players; they’d have to center around veteran players, but that is something we should keep an eye on as well.”

So, what could a possible trade package look like? Bucks insider Eric Nehm, writing for The Athletic, floated a three-team scenario: the Timberwolves would receive Antetokounmpo and veteran guard Jrue Holiday; the Bucks would snag Julius Randle, Naz Reid, and a collection of draft assets (including Portland’s 2030 first-round pick and the rights to swap picks in 2028 and 2032); while the Portland Trail Blazers would get Jaden McDaniels and Mike Conley. “Those swaps don’t have much value, but they are still something the Bucks can take to make the package stronger,” Nehm explained, acknowledging the limitations of Minnesota’s draft capital.

Any deal for Antetokounmpo would almost certainly cost the Timberwolves one or more of their core pieces. Randle and Reid are seen as likely centerpieces, with McDaniels and Conley also potential trade chips. The addition of Holiday in the hypothetical deal is more than a sweetener—he’s a player Giannis has enjoyed playing with in the past, and his veteran presence could help Minnesota make a serious push for the title.

Still, with the trade deadline looming, the Wolves’ front office appears to be working on multiple fronts. While the Giannis sweepstakes understandably grab headlines, Minnesota is also targeting more modest, but potentially impactful, upgrades to their guard rotation. According to Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype and Jake Fischer, the Wolves have shown interest in guards Coby White, Collin Sexton, and especially Ayo Dosunmu of the Chicago Bulls.

Dosunmu stands out as the most logical and realistic trade target. Described as a combo guard rather than a pure point, Dosunmu is having a career year from beyond the arc, knocking down a sizzling 44.5 percent of his three-point attempts. He’s also a stout perimeter defender and a reliable ball handler—traits that fit snugly with Minnesota’s current needs. “Frankly, I don’t think the Wolves need a massive trade to put together another deep playoff run (and perhaps even get over the championship hump),” one analyst wrote, pointing to the team’s top-10 rankings in both offensive and defensive efficiency.

The Timberwolves’ reluctance to part with key contributors like Donte DiVincenzo, Naz Reid, or Jaden McDaniels—unless it’s for a true superstar—signals a desire to maintain their current core. Reports also indicate that the team “aren’t keen” on trading veteran point guard Mike Conley, further narrowing the list of realistic trade chips. As a result, Dosunmu, with his reasonable salary and skill set, has become the most likely target. A potential trade package could center around young players Rob Dillingham, Terrence Shannon Jr., and a handful of second-round picks, enticing the Bulls, who may be on the cusp of a rebuild.

While the prospect of adding a generational talent like Antetokounmpo is thrilling for Timberwolves fans, it’s worth remembering that Minnesota is already a legitimate contender. With Anthony Edwards continuing his ascent into superstardom and Julius Randle providing All-Star production, the Wolves’ top six is championship caliber. Their balanced attack—ranking within the NBA’s top 10 for both offense and defense—has them poised for a deep playoff run, even if a blockbuster deal doesn’t materialize.

Of course, nothing is certain as the trade deadline approaches. Backchannel discussions, shifting market dynamics, and the ever-present specter of injury can change the landscape in an instant. If a trade for Giannis doesn’t happen before February 5, Minnesota’s chances could actually improve over the summer, when they’ll have two additional first-round picks at their disposal. That flexibility could prove crucial if the Bucks decide to fully embrace a rebuild and move their franchise cornerstone.

For now, all eyes are on the Timberwolves’ front office. Will they swing for the fences and try to land Antetokounmpo, or will they opt for a more pragmatic approach and bolster their guard depth with a player like Dosunmu? One thing’s for sure: the next week promises plenty of intrigue, high-stakes negotiation, and perhaps, a franchise-altering move for Minnesota’s long-suffering fans.

As the clock ticks down to the deadline, the Timberwolves find themselves in a position they haven’t occupied in decades—at the center of the NBA universe, with the eyes of the basketball world watching their every move.