The Minnesota Timberwolves are likely to be one of the NBA's most aggressive teams this summer. In fact, they have been repeatedly linked to Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo.
While they only have an outside shot of landing him, Milwaukee has already named their price in a potential blockbuster trade. That is according to Sam Amick of The Athletic (subscription required).
The Bucks reportedly want Terrence Shannon Jr., Naz Reid, Jaden McDaniels, and two first-round picks for Giannis. Whether the Timberwolves would agree to that trade remains unclear, but it at least gives them a clear path to landing Giannis, were they to make such an offer.
The Timberwolves have a outside chance of landing on Giannis Antetokounmpo
The Bucks have the Wolves in a bit of a bind. The Wolves don't have the picks needed to make a big offer while holding onto some of their best players. As a result, the Bucks are asking for Reid and McDaniels, knowing the Wolves would be giving up their best defender and best big man.
For that price, the Wolves would be crazy to make that deal. Now, if they were able to pawn Julius Randle off on the Bucks in addition to McDaniels and Shannon Jr. and two firsts for Giannis, then that trade makes a lot more sense for Minnesota.
They wouldn't be trading one of their best players and would still have enough depth with Giannis to contend. However, it's doubtful the Bucks would go for that.
The Wolves have other options if they strike out on landing Giannis
Personally, I think the Wolves going after Giannis is a mistake. They should instead go hard after Kyrie Irving. His stock is at an all-time low with him being 34 and coming off an ACL tear.
Trading Randle and two firsts for him would solve their point guard problem, their Randle problem, and allow them to keep their depth. Remember, Shannon Jr. had a strong playoffs and could emerge as a legit rotation player next season.
Donte Divincenzo will return at some point next year as well. Add in a promising young player such as Joan Beringer, and they go a lot deeper than many might realize. Especially if they are able to hold onto Ayo Dosunmo.
The Bucks are right to want to demand the sun, moon, and stars, but the Wolves shouldn't be willing to pay anywhere near their asking price.
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