Rich Paul said on the latest episode of the “Game Over” podcast that the Minnesota Timberwolves are one of the teams that could land LeBron James.
The Wolves put themselves in the running to sign the four-time MVP after significant offseason moves saw them acquire LaMelo Ball and pair him with resident superstar Anthony Edwards.
Shortly after Paul shared his views on James’ free agency, The Athletic’s Jon Krawczynski mentioned that the T-Wolves “are ramping up” their efforts to land the former Los Angeles Lakers superstar.
Krawczynski’s report quickly caused a buzz in the NBA world.
NBA Community Erupts As Timberwolves Reportedly Intensify Their Pursuit of LeBron James
In 2016, James gave the Cleveland Cavaliers their first and still only championship. The title ended a 52-year title drought for the Cleveland.
The 22-time All-Star could replicate that feat by helping the Timberwolves lift the Larry O’Brien Trophy for the first time.
By taking his talents to Minnesota, James could also boost his already all-time great legacy. Krawczynski reported:
“The Timberwolves have been in contact with James’ representatives with a bold pitch: team up with Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball, Jaden McDaniels, and Rudy Gobert to go after the kind of championship that could end any discussion about who is the greatest player of all time.”
The report sparked strong reactions from NBA observers.
“Holy smokes, it’s happening,” a user posted.
Holy smokes it’s happening https://t.co/2yImzjVukR
— cdott (@cdott_x) July 4, 2026
“We now live in a world where LeBron James to Minnesota is being mentioned,” Sports journalist Evan Porter wrote.
We now live in a world where LeBron James to Minnesota is being mentioned.. https://t.co/KxPjnWY2NO
— Evan Porter (@EvanporterNBA) July 4, 2026
According to a Timberwolves supporter: “The League is shaking.”
The League is shaking https://t.co/R9wAr8oiq2 pic.twitter.com/HD70hPdQ27
— ˗ˏˋ 1 ˎˊ˗ (@StepbackAe) July 4, 2026
An X site that regularly features Edwards commented: “GIVE ME THE GOAT NOW.”
GIVE ME THE GOAT NOW https://t.co/tRVyC6Rnv9 pic.twitter.com/kTPY7CoKw0
— 𓆩𝐀𝐍𝐓₅𓆪 (@SaintTrece) July 4, 2026
The Playmaker Society posted: “This is going to be the opening scene of an ESPN 30 for 30: ‘How LeBron Saved Minnesota.’
This is going to be the opening scene of an ESPN 30 for 30: “How LeBron Saved Minnesota”
— Playmaker Society (@PlaymakerSoc) July 4, 2026
Paul, in his talk with co-host Max Kellerman, underlined how the Timberwolves’ ownership group, led by Marc Lore and former MLB superstar Alex Rodriguez, could be a factor in signing James.
The Klutch Sports Group CEO also mentioned the importance of Tim Connelly, Minnesota’s president of basketball operations.
Kellerman responded that there’s “a different level of achievement and credit” if James wins in Minnesota.
On the court, James could fill a gaping hole in the Timberwolves’ roster. The Julius Randle and Naz Reid trades have thinned out their wings and frontcourt. Minnesota expects McDaniels to take a leap, but having James, a do-it-all 6-foot-9 forward, in the lineup solves multiple problems for coach Chris Finch.
The league’s all-time leading scorer showed in the 2026 playoffs that he still has enough left in the tank to be an impactful contributor.
A starting five of Gobert, James, McDaniels, Edwards, and Ball could rival any quintet in the NBA.
There are also many other interesting subplots if James takes his talents to Minnesota. He can help push Edwards to the top and mentor Ball, whose maturity has been much criticized.
The Timberwolves finished the 2025-26 season with a 49-33 record and earned the No. 6 spot in the loaded Western Conference.
After dispatching the third-seeded Denver Nuggets, they went down to the No. 2-ranked San Antonio Spurs.
Connelly acknowledged in May via ESPN, after the Timberwolves’ playoff exit, that they were not good enough. He vowed to be “as aggressive as possible” in the offseason to address their weaknesses. After shipping Randle and Reid out and bringing in Ball, he could shock the world by landing James.
