The Minnesota Timberwolves are reportedly looking for answers after their failed pursuit of Kevin Durant. The 2x NBA champion reportedly rejected the opportunity to join them this week, and the franchise still doesn't understand what went wrong.
"I think the Timberwolves are confused because in February, the Suns were sending a message to Minnesota that Kevin would be OK going there," said Sam Amick on the 'Run it Back' Show. "Except they found out that 'Oh wait, you're really not talking to Kevin. You don't know how he feels.'"
When Kevin Durant was put on the trade block this summer, the Timberwolves emerged as one of his most aggressive suitors. They believed that the relationship between Durant and Anthony Edwards would be enough to bring them over the top, and even had a deal in place that would have brought them together. But with one year remaining on his contract, teams want some kind of long-term commitment from Durant before they give up everything to get him.
Despite being an ideal location on paper and a team that Durant had previously expressed interest in, he refused to give a commitment to the Timberwolves even though the Suns may be actively trying to nudge him in that direction.
"(Suns) don't like what they're hearing from San Antonio, Houston, and Miami," said Amick. "The Suns clearly like what they could get out of Minnesota, but the Wolves are not going to play that game at all unless he wants to come. Phoenix is almost trying to nudge him to (Minnesota) and compel him to add a fourth team to his list. We're a little ways away."
After Durant revealed his preferred landing spots this week, it's considered a three-team race for Durant between the Spurs, Rockets, and Heat. Many fans thought the Timberwolves would be on that short list as well, but they were shockingly left out for reasons that remain unclear.
Fresh off an appearance in the Western Conference Finals, Minnesota is considered a team on the rise in the West, and Edwards is leading the way for them with career averages of 27.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game on 44.7% shooting.
With someone like Durant on the team, their offense would go to the next level and their potential would be instantly elevated. His experience and shot-making would make life much easier for Timberwolves players, and Edwards could thrive off his synergy with Durant's isolation scoring.
Unfortunately for the Wolves, Durant has denied them this dream and has crushed their ambitions with a brutal rejection. The team is still hoping that Durant changes his mind, but they cannot sit around and wait for his situation to play out.
With a solid veteran core in place, they still intend to make moves that will increase their title odds next season. Whether it's Durant or someone else, they will be bringing some help for Anthony Edwards and continue to build up the team that's accomplished so much over the past three seasons.
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