The Minnesota Timberwolves continue to be part of the trade rumors machine ahead of the 2025 offseason. Most people's attention is on the NBA Finals, but the Timberwolves and Kevin Durant are still making the headlines.
While the rumors also involve the Miami Heat and the Houston Rockets, prominent NBA insider Zach Lowe believes the "buzz" surrounding a Durant move to the Timberwolves is at the top of the list.
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) shoots over Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid (11) during the second half of game four of the first round of the 2024 NBA playoffs at Footprint Center.
Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
It is easy to understand why Durant to the Timberwolves is getting the attention. The move is the most logical one because Durant will have a good opportunity to win the championship with Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves.
The other options, Houston and Miami, are decent landing spots. However, they are too far behind in the championship contention when compared to Minnesota. It will require a significant trade package, but the Timberwolves could send back a reasonable return to the Phoenix Suns.
Lowe's Speculation Of What The Timberwolves Will Do If They Get Durant
Since Lowe has heard a lot of talk surrounding Durant's potential move to Minnesota, the likely package will involve Rudy Gobert, Donte DiVincenzo, and Rob Dillingham. Draft picks should be included, so that will open up a path to Minnesota.
"Every team is talking. I would say the buzz order right now is Minnesota, Houston, back in the buzz rankings," Lowe said on his show with Bill Simmons. "I think Minnesota wants Durant the most from what I've heard. Houston is a bit of an internal GM/coach different idea of what they should trade for Kevin Durant."
This move will open opportunities for re-signing free agents as the Timberwolves remove Gobert's contract off the books. However, the center position might be depleted with only Naz Reid and Luka Garza manning the paint.
Lowe speculates that Minnesota will find cheaper centers in the free agency market or through trades. It is a reasonable trade to make if they go that route, but they will have to find a gem. If they cannot find the right center, they might regret sending Gobert for Durant.
The Durant Trade Makes Sense For The Timberwolves
To win an NBA championship, a team must make some risky decisions. The Timberwolves made an ambitious trade for Rudy Gobert in 2022. The trade was widely panned in the NBA community, but it worked for the Timberwolves, as they reached the Western Conference Finals twice.
Now that Gobert is likely on the trade block, Minnesota could include him. In the package for Durant. It makes sense to part ways with Gobert if the team feels they have reached their ceiling with him as the starting center. This also means they will likely explore the market, and find the right big man.
Durant significantly boosts the Timberwolves' chances of winning a championship. The Timberwolves already have the superstar with Edwards, so pairing him with another could be the key to winning it all.
Durant has already established himself as a great teammate to other superstars, so this won't be an issue if he joins the Timberwolves.