The Minnesota Timberwolves were heavily linked to Giannis Antetokounmpo dating back to the trade deadline. However, recent reporting from Jake Fischer indicates that the Wolves are out of the running for Giannis. Fischer mentioned the Miami Heat as frontrunners, and Sam Amick of The Athletic backed up this reporting.
When the Wolves were in the Giannis sweepstakes, it was well-known that the Heat would be one of their biggest competitors. While the Wolves now might not have to worry about the Heat stealing Giannis from them, it would still benefit Minnesota if Miami strikes out on the two-time MVP.
Without a doubt, the Heat will still chase a star if they strike out on Giannis. He might not be their first choice in this scenario, but it's worth noting that the Heat previously expressed interest in Julius Randle.
The Wolves will surely be shopping Randle after a nightmare postseason, but finding suitors who could give the Wolves an ideal return could be difficult.
In terms of finding a team that could be interested in Randle's services and could deliver the Wolves solid value in return, you'd be hard-pressed to find many better options than Miami.
If the Heat strike out on Giannis, they could take Randle off Minnesota's hands
The Heat can't bring back both Tyler Herro and Norman Powell. The two players have overlapping skill sets and didn't share the floor much this season. Powell is a free agent, so they could move off him in a sign-and-trade, keeping Herro as their long-term piece. Conversely, they could re-sign Powell, who was an All-Star last year, and shop Herro.
In either scenario, the Wolves should be enticed by adding one of these guards in exchange for Randle.
Timberwolves fans' hope for adding a star took a hit when Fischer reported that "Ayo Dosunmu is probably the biggest addition that we can expect from Minnesota."
Needless to say, this isn't ideal as the Wolves need more dependable shot creation alongside Anthony Edwards. Yes, depth is vital, but so is star power -- the Wolves need both.
While Powell or Herro might not be an ideal star addition, given Fischer's reporting, one of these two could be the Wolves' best chance of adding an All-Star-level talent next to Ant. They would both provide some much-needed extra 3-point shooting and perimeter creation.
None of this matters if the Heat trade for Giannis, though. That would, of course, be their all-in swing, and Randle wouldn't be a fit on a Heat team with Giannis.
As such, while the Wolves might be out of the running for Giannis, it would still greatly benefit them if the Heat can't trade for him.
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