Giannis Antetokounmpo, Julius Randle and Naz Reid, Timberwolves
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Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks passes the ball as he is pressured by Julius Randle and Naz Reid of the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Minnesota Timberwolves have quietly repositioned themselves as a credible contender in the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes — just as Milwaukee Bucks ownership publicly acknowledged the magnitude and complexity of the decision surrounding their franchise star.
Minnesota’s renewed flexibility comes amid a growing belief around the league that Antetokounmpo’s future is no longer a settled matter, even if no formal decision has been made.
Bucks Co-Owner Addresses Giannis Speculation
Milwaukee co-owner Jimmy Haslam broke his silence Tuesday, emphasizing both Antetokounmpo’s stature and the Bucks’ long-standing collaborative approach with the two-time NBA MVP.
“Giannis is, I don’t know, a top-three, top-four player in the world,” Haslam said, via ESPN Cleveland. “He brought Milwaukee its first championship in 50 years. He’s a great leader, a great person. Giannis and the Bucks — and this goes back before we were involved — have always worked closely to do what’s best for Giannis and what’s best for the Bucks, and we’ll continue to do so.”
Haslam’s remarks marked the first direct public response from Bucks ownership amid intensifying leaguewide trade discussions.
Why Ownership Makes This Giannis Trade Different
According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, Haslam’s comments highlight why any Antetokounmpo deal is uniquely difficult to execute.
“This is not a simple process,” Windhorst said on NBA Today. “You have to make the Bucks happy with the return. The acquiring team has to agree. And because Giannis is a free agent after next season and would need to sign an extension, he has to be somewhat on board. He doesn’t have to approve it, but you get a much better offer if he is.”
Milwaukee’s ownership structure further complicates matters. Haslam and Wes Edens share governorship responsibilities alongside minority owner Jamie Dinan, with major franchise decisions requiring alignment.
“When you’re talking about trading a two-time MVP, every voice matters,” Windhorst said.
Minnesota’s Financial Reset Changes the Landscape
While Haslam stressed patience and collaboration, rival teams have been actively reshaping their books — none more quietly than Minnesota.
According to ESPN insider Shams Charania, the Timberwolves executed a three-team trade with the Chicago Bulls and Detroit Pistons that sent Mike Conley Jr. and Jaden Ivey to Chicago. Detroit received Kevin Huerter, Dario Šarić, and a future first-round pick swap from Minnesota.
The move was widely viewed as a strategic salary dump.
ESPN salary cap analyst Bobby Marks reported that Minnesota’s luxury-tax bill dropped from approximately $24 million to $3.8 million, placing the Timberwolves under the first apron and restoring their ability to aggregate salaries and take back more money than they send out in trades.
That flexibility is essential in any Antetokounmpo framework.
Timberwolves Among Teams Under Consideration
Charania reported that Bucks officials are now reviewing aggressive offers from multiple teams, including Minnesota, Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks and Miami Heat.
“Bucks officials, executives and ownership are huddling against the clock,” Charania said on NBA Today. “Giannis Antetokounmpo is prepared for his exit from Milwaukee — whether that comes at the deadline or in the offseason.”
The Wolves’ recent maneuvering suggests they want to be taken seriously if the Bucks decide to act.
Decision Still Runs Through Milwaukee
Despite Minnesota’s positioning, Haslam made clear that the Bucks are not operating on outside timelines or pressure.
“This goes back before we were involved,” Haslam said. “Giannis and the Bucks have always worked closely together.”
Whether that cooperation results in a recommitment — or a franchise-altering trade — remains uncertain. But with Minnesota now financially reset and structurally eligible to engage, the Timberwolves are firmly part of the conversation as Milwaukee weighs one of the most consequential decisions in franchise history.