The market around Giannis Antetokounmpo is starting to take shape, and the Minnesota Timberwolves now have a clearer sense of what it could take to get involved.
Miami are still seen as the favorite, while Boston’s interest has grown louder in recent days. But Minnesota remain in the mix, especially with Anthony Edwards in need of another top-level star to push the Wolves back into title contention.
The question is whether Milwaukee’s asking price is one the Timberwolves are willing to pay.
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s price tag for Timberwolves emerges
According to The Athletic, the Bucks would be looking for a significant haul from Minnesota.
“The Timberwolves, meanwhile, are also seen by some as an emerging option for the Bucks. While Antetokounmpo is known to prefer a trade involving a team in the Eastern Conference, league sources say the Bucks are interested in what Minnesota has to offer. If the Timberwolves want to get into the mix, league sources say the Bucks would want a package including Jaden McDaniels, Naz Reid, Terrence Shannon Jr. and their two tradable first-round picks (No. 29 in this year’s draft and their 2033 pick).”
That is a huge price. McDaniels is Minnesota’s top perimeter defender, and Reid is a key frontcourt spacer. Both would make far more sense playing next to Giannis and Edwards than being sent out for him.
Heat and Celtics links keep Giannis rumors moving
Miami are still viewed as the frontrunners, with a likely offer centered around Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., either Pelle Larsson or Kasparas Jakučionis, and up to three first-round picks.
The Bucks’ self-imposed June 23 draft deadline suggests they are still waiting to see if a better offer arrives before making a final call.
That has given rise to the Boston angle as well. Bill Simmons has suggested the Celtics could be trying to either jump ahead of Miami or at least drive up the eventual price.
Timberwolves should hold firm on McDaniels and Reid
The reported Bucks ask would create issues for Minnesota’s roster. Pairing Giannis with Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle sounds imposing on paper, but the fit and spacing, especially late in games, could become awkward and might require more trades.
Minnesota would be better off pushing for a different structure: Randle, Terrence Shannon Jr., No. 29, the 2033 first and as many first-round swaps as they can offer, with Gobert or another salary like DiVincenzo potentially routed through a third team if needed.
That kind of deal is harder to build, but it keeps the better basketball fit intact: Edwards, Giannis, McDaniels, and Reid.
Giannis can influence that. He can become a free agent in 2027 if he declines his player option, so any extension assurance should come with leverage. If Minnesota wants him long term, keeping McDaniels and Reid beside him should be part of the pitch.
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