Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) guards Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) in the second quarter during game four of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center with Jon Krawczynski in the background
Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
While the Minnesota Timberwolves' trade for LaMelo Ball highlighted their summer, one NBA insider believes they were one move away from landing LeBron James. After talks with the Boston Celtics over Jaylen Brown ended, the Timberwolves pivoted to landing Ball. However, had the Celtics not traded Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers, James would have seriously considered signing with Minnesota, according to The Athletic's Jon Krawczynski.
While James was looking for the best route toward his next championship ring, the Timberwolves were an intriguing option, Krawczynski revealed, per CLNS Media's Celtics Daily with Bobby Manning.
“There's a very good chance that if they don't make that trade, LeBron James is in Minnesota this year, and not Philadelphia,” Krawczynski said. “I do think that LeBron made the decision to go to Philadelphia because of the basketball fit, and the chance to win a championship. If Jaylen Brown is not in Philadelphia, I think that there's a real possibility that LeBron looks at Minnesota as the next-best team for him to be competitive and try to win a championship.”
While Jon Krawczynski didn't specify if the Timberwolves had to trade for Jaylen Brown for LeBron James to choose them, it sounds as if the roster, after trading for Ball, would have been talented enough for LeBron James to head to the Timberwolves. He's confused about why the Celtics traded Brown for a package centered on Paul George; he's willing to give Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens the benefit of the doubt.
Article Continues Below
ClutchQuiz
Question 1 of 4
Anthony Davis created a signature Lakers playoff moment in 2020 with his "Mamba shot" buzzer-beater against which team?
“I think there are some Wolves fans looking at Brad Stevens a little bit and shaking their fists. I think with the way that Brad Stevens and Joe Mazzulla have built up such a strong foundation, you have to give them a little bit of the benefit of the doubt here to see how it all plays out,” Krawczynski added.
“If a lesser accomplished general manager that has not won as many games and not as much success as Brad Stevens made the same deal, I would call them absolutely crazy. This makes no sense at all. There are people who earn that benefit of the doubt.”
The Timberwolves will begin their preseason on the road against the Milwaukee Bucks on October 5.