Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo has emerged as the biggest name to watch as the NBA trade deadline approaches on Thursday. While the Bucks are not actively shopping the two-time MVP, they have begun listening to offers, and interest around the league has quickly intensified.
Among the teams circling, the Minnesota Timberwolves have surfaced as a legitimate dark-horse contender. A potential pairing of Antetokounmpo with Anthony Edwards would instantly reshape the Western Conference. But as speculation grows, one key question remains: how does Antetokounmpo feel about the idea of teaming up with Edwards?
NBA Insider Claims Giannis Antetokounmpo Would Be Thrilled To Team Up With Anthony Edwards
Multiple league reports indicate that the New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors, and Timberwolves are the frontrunners in the Antetokounmpo sweepstakes. As the speculation intensifies, it has become increasingly clear that the 31-year-old is prioritizing situations that maximize his championship window, and few scenarios are as enticing as teaming up with Edwards, who is just entering his prime.
And according to NBA insider Chris Haynes, the idea of joining forces with Edwards strongly appeals to Antetokounmpo.
“They (Minnesota) are still much in play for Giannis…. This is what I can tell you,” he said. “If Giannis and Anthony Edwards were too hook up, I’m told Giannis would be thrilled teaming up with Anthony Edwards. Take that for whatever its worth. Minnesota still work to be done and convince the Bucks they have the right package.”
Veteran insider Marc Stein echoed those sentiments, noting that the Timberwolves have been involved from the start largely because of Antetokounmpo’s admiration for Edwards.
“Minnesota has been in this thing from the jump,” Stein said. “The reason is, based on everything I’ve been told, Giannis Antetokounmpo has a very strong admiration for Anthony Edwards.”
While Stein further reported that the Bucks are discussing trading Antetokounmpo with “greater intensity or seriousness,” the Wolves don’t have anything beyond a 2028 first-round pick swap to offer. Any trade would then have to involve Jaden McDaniels and Julius Randle, and while such a move would come with obvious risks, the idea of pairing “Ant-Man” with “The Greek Freak” is undeniably tantalizing.
He could be the missing piece that finally helps the Timberwolves get over the hump after two conference finals appearances. If he managed to help deliver the franchise its first title alongside Edwards, it would only boost his legacy and standing among the best players of all time.
For now, a deal does not appear imminent. Stein reports that Milwaukee is more likely to survey the market and revisit serious negotiations in the summer. Still, whenever it happens, a Giannis–Edwards pairing would instantly become one of the NBA’s most threatening duos, and the Timberwolves would be wise to continue pursuing it aggressively.
