Following a bitter defeat in the Western Conference Finals, the Minnesota Timberwolves are on the market for some serious upgrades, and they already have a few names in mind. One of their primary targets is NBA veteran Kevin Durant, who is rumored to be splitting from the Suns this summer.
“The Timberwolves need another ‘alpha’ next to Edwards to win it all, which is why sources told Hoops Wire that Minnesota is expected to pursue a Durant trade again this offseason,” wrote Hoops Wire. “A future Hall of Famer, Durant doesn’t have a no-trade clause in his contract, but he’s interested in playing for the Timberwolves, sources said.”
The Timberwolves are fresh off an appearance in the Western Conference Finals, where they earned a spot for the second straight year after series wins over the Lakers and Warriors. After trading their longtime center, Karl-Anthony Towns, back in October, Minnesota hoped to build on its early success by pairing Edwards with Julius Randle.
Randle, along with Rudy Gobert, formed a tough and versatile frontcourt for the Timberwolves, and Edwards was the leader on the other end with averages of 27.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game on 44.7% shooting. They won 49 games in the regular season to secure the sixth seed and a spot in the playoffs.
While they did manage to make the West Finals, the Timberwolves were hopelessly lost in the series as they struggled to keep up with the Thunder. They lost in five games, and now the team is searching for a solution.
With limited options for improvement, the best way to improve their standing in the West next season is by trading for Kevin Durant and finally pairing Edwards with his childhood idol. With the Suns on the brink of collapse, it has made Durant a primary target this summer, and the Wolves are expected to be among his most aggressive suitors.
Besides Edwards’ notoriously close relationship with the 2x champion, Durant is exactly the type of player who could complete the Timberwolves. He’s a proven scorer and shooter with an average of 26.6 points per game this season. His offensive skill set would provide a much-needed boost for Minnesota, as well as give them another closer to lead them down the stretch.
While the price for Durant would be high, the Timberwolves could get it done with a package centered around Rudy Gobert. Despite being the heart of their defense, the Timberwolves already have a very worthy big man to step into his role: Naz Reid. With Gobert’s $43 million contract, along with low-level salary players like Rob Dillingham or Leonard Miller. Of course, being a second-apron team, the Timberwolves are somewhat limited in their trade options, but there is no expense they will not pay to build a title contender around Edwards.
After leading them to back-to-back trips to the West Finals, Ant is the key to their future success, and the Timberwolves must find a way to get him the help he needs on the court. While he may not be in his prime, Kevin Durant is a viable choice to chase a championship, and the word on the street is that he’s feeling a mutual level of interest in joining them this summer. The 2025-26 season is currently the last one on his contract, worth $54.7 million.
