The Minnesota Timberwolves have indicated their interest in pairing their 23-year-old star Anthony Edwards with a proven superstar like Kevin Durant. While the team’s need for the “alpha” type of player has gained attention, the Wolves attempted to facilitate this move much earlier.
According to the Stein Line’s Jake Fischer, Minnesota had made contact with Eastern Conference teams to help structure a three-team trade to bring Durant over to their side from the Phoenix Suns in February itself. He wrote:
“League sources say Minnesota indeed made serious trade inquiries for Durant before the Feb. 6 trade deadline, contacting at least one Eastern Conference club about functioning as a facilitator to help two luxury tax teams that had strayed beyond the second apron combine on a massive in-season maneuver.”
Both the Suns and the Wolves have seen luxury tax restrictions placed upon them, thus requiring a third team to step in to absorb some of the impact to help the trade go through. Unfortunately for both parties, Durant ended up staying on the Suns.
The Suns have made their intention of moving on from the 36-year-old quite clear. Their current plans involve building around Devin Booker. But, in the case of failing to find a trade for their star forward, the team may be forced to run it back with him anyway.
Meanwhile, the Wolves are also coming off another failed campaign. After being knocked out in the WCF in five games, Minnesota needs to restructure to take the next step forward. While Durant may not be the ideal piece for them on paper, he could still be a valuable addition next to Edwards.
The forward put up impressive numbers in the 2024-25 regular season. He recorded 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists on 52.7% shooting from the field and 43.0% from beyond the arc. As a certified bucket-getter, the forward would be a necessary addition to the team’s need for a consistent scoring option.
This approach doesn’t seem to be a knock on Edwards’ ability as a first option. At 23 years old, the guard has a lot to learn and a lot of room to grow. Although his regular season averages of 27.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.6 assists were noteworthy, certain shortcomings in his game were displayed in the WCF.
Being mentored by one of the best offensive players in league history could do more to cultivate his innate talent in this regard. The Wolves stand to gain from it, too.
Minnesota’s commitment to improving appears to be legitimate. With an intent to develop a winning habit, the Wolves are likely to invest in keeping their core together, even if it means paying the luxury tax. The challenge, therefore, lies in whether they can do so while making an attempt to bring Durant on board.
