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ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JANUARY 19: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks drives against the Atlanta Hawks during the first quarter at State Farm Arena on January 19, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The Minnesota Timberwolves are giving their all to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo via trade from the Milwaukee Bucks ahead of the trade deadline. Reports have increased today about Minnesota becoming a front runner with more momentum leaning their way. The Bucks are reportedly viewing the Timberwolves’ offer as the best, but they would need a third and possibly fourth team involved to pull it off.
Yahoo Sports reports, via Real GM that the Memphis Grizzlies are trying to enter the trade to help facilitate it:
“The Grizzlies are now also interested in being a facilitator in any Antetokounmpo deal elsewhere and are monitoring that situation closely, sources say. Prior to Tuesday’s trade activity, Memphis was exploring the possibility of being part of a multi-team deal involving Minnesota and Milwaukee for Antetokounmpo that would have sent beloved Grizzlies guard Mike Conley back to Memphis, sources say. Minnesota instead moved Conley in a deal with the Bulls.”
The Grizzlies were already active today by trading away multi-time All-Star Jaren Jackson to the Utah Jazz in exchange for three future first round picks. Memphis clearly is trying to set themselves up for the distant future, so they’d be willing to accept a contract from Minnesota or Milwaukee to help complete the deal.
Grizzlies Wanted Reunion In Giannis Trade
The report from Yahoo also claims that Memphis was interested in taking on Mike Conley’s salary from the Timberwolves in a three-team trade. Conley is an all-time great Grizzlies legend, but that dream reunion ended when he was traded to the Chicago Bulls in a three-team deal earlier today.
Memphis has been active in the Giannis to Minnesota trade talks and still would love to be involved if they can benefit from it. The most likely scenario would see the Grizzlies taking a big contract from the Timberwolves for a player that the likely rebuilding Bucks will not want on the roster.
Milwaukee could also try to dump veterans Kyle Kuzma or Bobby Portis in a deal to Memphis since they are content with adding salary. However, some form of draft compensation and/or a young player will likely have to head back to the Grizzlies to make it worthwhile.
Giannis Wanting Milwaukee Helps Memphis
More rumors have been leaking about Antetokounmpo’s growing interest in joining the Timberwolves if the trade does happen. Giannis previously expressing more interest in joining the New York Knicks or Miami Heat made Minnesota feel like a dark horse option.
An aggressive approach from the Timberwolves may have impressed Antetokounmpo enough to want the move there. Anthony Edwards would be the best player he’s ever teamed with and instantly make them the most talented superstar duo in the entire league as it currently stands.
Memphis’ desire to help facilitate the trade looks more likely if Giannis is content with getting moved to Minnesota. Both the Timberwolves and Bucks must find their ideal scenario of players coming in and out to get the deal done. The Grizzlies will be able to easily slot in and accommodate what the teams require of them if they get fair compensation.