The Timberwolves’ biggest obstacle in trading Giannis is painfully obvious

Somewhat surprisingly, the Minnesota Timberwolves have found themselves in the mix for Giannis Antetokounmpo. It wasn’t a shock when Shams Charania broke the news that Giannis is open to a new home and that the Bucks are listening to aggressive offers. However, it was a shock when the NBA’s top news breaker named the Wolves as a serious suitor. Jake Fischer confirmed the Wolves’ interest in Giannis, while also noting that Antetokounmpo’s fondness for Anthony Edwards leaves him open to a Wolf trade.

That said, the Wolves’ path to landing Giannis has obvious hurdles. Most notably, barring a first-round pick swap in 2028, the Wolves have no tradable first-round picks. The Bucks’ asking price includes a “top-tier young talent” and/or a boatload of draft picks. That is not a demand the Wolves can meet.

Additionally, the Wolves sit just below the second tax platform, further complicating the possibility of a trade.

Now, if the Wolves get a third team involved (specifically the Portland Trail Blazers, who own a large portion of the Bucks’ future picks), a trade could be possible. However, orchestrating such a three-team trade is easier said than done. Ultimately, the Wolves’ lack of draft capital could cost them the opportunity to land Giannis.

It would take a miracle for the Wolves to trade for Giannis

Again, I’m not completely ruling out the possibility of the Wolves trading for Giannis; it’s certainly worth noting that top insiders have linked Wolves to him. Regardless, their path to trading for Giannis is more difficult than that of the majority of suitors on the market.

Now that the Miami Heat and Golden State Warriors have a slew of future draft assets and even some intriguing young talent, especially in Miami’s case, those teams have a clearer path to making a move. Even dark horse teams like the Philadelphia 76ers, Toronto Raptors and Atlanta Hawks have a smoother runway to pull off a blockbuster trade.

If this saga extends into the offseason, I would consider the Wolves a more realistic landing spot, as they would gain access to two additional first-round picks. Either way, if a move happens at or before the trade deadline, the Wolves’ chances of landing Giannis are slim. It’s not entirely impossible, but it will clearly be a challenge for the Wolves to trade for Giannis.

The opportunity to add another top-five player alongside Edwards is undoubtedly something Wolves should pursue, and Tim Connelly has made shocking moves before. Nevertheless, trading for Giannis Connelly would be his biggest magic trick yet, and it’s something Wolves fans shouldn’t count on.