Most of the trade rumors are focused on Kevin Durant in the 2025 offseason. The Minnesota Timberwolves are one of the teams that want to swoop in and take Durant, but they could aim for an even bigger player.
The other superstar in trade rumors is the Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo. He is in a tough situation with the Bucks, which could lead to a move. If it were up to former 2008 Finals MVP Paul Pierce, Giannis might be on his way to Minnesota by now.
Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) and Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) lock up during a free throw in the first half at Fiserv Forum.
Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
The Timberwolves are looking to make some big moves in the offseason, which could land them a superstar. However, it can be challenging due to the situation with their contracts and the potential pitfalls with the first and second aprons.
Pierce might be too ambitious with his trade proposal, but it makes sense to shoot for a star player like him. Anthony Edwards is performing well as the Timberwolves' superstar, but he needs help, as seen in the Western Conference Finals.
Pierce Believes Antetokounmpo To Minnesota Makes The Most Sense
Pierce is suggesting this move to support Edwards and his quest to win a championship. It might sound outlandish, but you can never deny a superstar who wants to make a move, as their team would accommodate a request.
"Let me tell you what makes the most sense, Minnesota. You pair him with Ant-Man and the young pieces they got over there," Pierce said on SPEAK. "I got a three-year window with Giannis and Ant-Man, though. I'll take that."
Pierce's co-hosts Keyshawn Johnson and Ric Bucher fired back at him because the Timberwolves would lose their depth. That is the best argument against a move for Antetokounmpo because the Bucks will ask for a massive return.
That will likely involve Jaden McDaniels, one of the players the Timberwolves consider a building block. It would be questionable to leave Edwards without depth, as the package will also involve players like Donte DiVincenzo and possibly Rob Dillingham.
The Timberwolves Have Diverging Paths In The 2025 Offseason
The Timberwolves and team president Tim Connelly have a lot of work to do in the upcoming offseason. They have the 17th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, which could be used in a big trade.
The Durant to Minnesota rumor looms over the Timberwolves, but they will also need to re-sign all their free agents. Julius Randle, Naz Reid, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker are all free agents in the offseason, and Connelly has already stated he wants to keep them.
That is a significant amount of money to commit to players, which could leave them vulnerable to more trades to free up cap space. Donte DiVincenzo and Rudy Gobert are solid trade pieces, which could land them a great return.
Nevertheless, most people will look at the Durant trade or even the Antetokounmpo idea. However, the Timberwolves will have a rollercoaster offseason because the possibilities are endless. As long as Minnesota can retain its core, they have a good foundation for success.