The Minnesota Timberwolves are well known around league circles by now as a potential suitor for Kevin Durant's services. The Phoenix Suns forward is back on the trade market, and he will be looking for a team to compete with.
Going to Minnesota would be a fantastic result for him because the Timberwolves need an experienced superstar to pair with Anthony Edwards. A one-two punch of Durant and Edwards looks terrifying for the rest of the league, which makes this potential trade a massive one.
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) brings the ball up as Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) defends him in the fourth quarter at Target Center.
Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images
The Timberwolves want to maintain most of their core, particularly Jaden McDaniels and Naz Reid. Those two players are crucial to what the Timberwolves have planned, so they want to pair those two with Edwards and Durant as the core.
That commitment means they are willing to part ways with other players for this trade. The most popular trade package is Durant for Rudy Gobert, Donte DiVincenzo, and promising rookie guard Rob Dillingham.
Lowe Feels The Trade Could Be Costly For Minnesota
If the Timberwolves do the Durant trade, they must offer a significant package. The popular package of Gobert, DiVincenzo, and Dillingham is the most likely trade that could happen between Minnesota and the Phoenix Suns.
Prominent insider Zach Lowe feels this trade could work out because the Timberwolves get a genuine superstar to pair with Edwards. However, it would cost them some valuable players. A defensive anchor like Gobert, a superb role player like DiVincenzo, and a promising talent like Dillingham.
"The Minnesota situation is very complex because there are aprons involved for them. They have these three outgoing free agents in (Julius) Randle, Naz Reid, and Alexander-Walker," Lowe said in his podcast. "“You threw in Dillingham, I think they would just be loathed to do that. I am going Naz Reid at the five, and we’re not going to care about defense at all anymore because we have such scoring prowess."
There will be a significant drop-off if they make the trade. That means they are giving up their depth. Putting Naz Reid as the starting center leads to them missing out on size, defense, and rebounding power.
The Timberwolves Still Have Many Possibilities In The 2025 Offseason
Even if the Durant talks are ramping up across the league, the Timberwolves still have some work to do. They know retaining their three upcoming free agents would be best for the team. Naz Reid, Julius Randle, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker have been superb for the Timberwolves, so maintaining that core would be good for the team.
Adding Durant to that squad is even better because he provides even more dynamic offense for the team. They are already strong on the defensive end, so getting another superstar could push them over the hump.
Of course, losing Gobert is significant because he is the defensive anchor. However, team president Tim Connelly should find ways to resolve the paint defense issue if Gobert does depart in a potential trade.
The point guard play will be dealt a blow if Dillingham gets traded, as he has been the long-term choice for that position since he was drafted in 2024. It will be interesting how this situation turns out for the Timberwolves. They want to reach the NBA Finals and compete for the title.