The past 24 hours have been all about Giannis Antetokounmpo after ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania reported that the 31-year-old is "ready for a new home" and that the Bucks are finally listening to offers. Denver Nuggets fans have been able to sit back and enjoy the show, that was, until Marc Stein and Jake Fischer of The Stein Line reported on Thursday that the superstar isinterested in teaming up (subscription required) with Anthony Edwards in Minnesota.
It goes without saying that the Nuggets would love for Giannis to stay in the East, with the Heat and Knicks popping up as the presumed frontrunners in the conference. The Warriors seem to be leading the charge in the West, and according to ESPN's Anthony Slater, Golden State is willing to include its four first-round picks in a deal. They have what the Timberwolves don't — the assets Milwaukee wants.
Minnesota has only a 2028 first-round pick swap to offer Milwaukee in a trade, and that won't cut it, but still, Giannis' desire to play with Edwards counts for something. The Timberwolves have been aggressive since Tim Connelly left the Nuggets, and you can bet he will do whatever he can to get the superstar to Minneapolis.
Nuggets don't want Bucks to trade Giannis to the Timberwolves
If it came down to Giannis going to either the Warriors or the Timberwolves, Denver should root for him to go to the former. Golden State's motivation is to win another title with Steph Curry, and especially after Jimmy Butler's torn ACL, the Warriors should be more desperate than ever to get Giannis to the Bay. As good as Curry is, though, he's 38. He's in the home stretch of his NBA career. Edwards, who is 24, certainly isn't.
Denver retooled its roster over the offseason, prioritizing depth in a push to win another title with Nikola Jokić, who will turn 31 next month. The West is stacked as is, with the reigning champions Thunder sitting atop the conference, followed by Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs. Giannis' arrival would dampen the Nuggets' chance at another championship, especially if he goes to Minnesota.
The Timberwolves have dealt with struggles this season, but they're sixth in the West with a 29-19 record. Nuggets fans know the dread that comes before Denver plays Minnesota; imagine what that'd be like if Giannis were involved.
Again, thank goodness Minnesota doesn't have the assets other teams could offer, but that doesn't mean you can write off the Timberwolves, especially not if Giannis tries to force his way there.
Milwaukee could wait until the offseason to trade him, when teams will have access to more first-round picks to include in a deal. Hopefully, that's what will happen, as although Giannis is currently out with a calf strain, he could suit up for Minnesota or Golden State in the postseason.
The way to avoid all of this is for the Bucks to keep him in the East, but while they're focused on getting the best possible return, they should prefer to get him out of the conference, not that they'll be in a position to compete for a title after his departure, but still.
Come on, Miami, New York, or any other team over in the East. Make Milwaukee an offer it can't refuse.