According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, the Minnesota Timberwolves were more serious about making a trade for Kevin Durant at the trade deadline than what many were assuming. In fact, they wanted to get a deal done with the Phoenix Suns.

With Julius Randle, Naz Reid, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker all becoming free agents in the offseason, and Minnesota being put in a tough spot financially, this could reopen the doors of a potential Durant trade that sees the partnership of him and Anthony Edwards.

“It became clear to me in talking to the parties involved just how serious the Wolves were about trying to trade for Kevin Durant at the trade deadline,” said Brian Windhorst on Friday’s Hoop Collective Podcast.

To acquire Durant during the deadline, Windhorst and Tim MacMahon said a “series of deals” would have needed to take place. Beyond that, it was more unlikely due to both organizations being in the second apron.

However, as pointed out by the two media experts, with the upcoming offseason and players testing free agency, Minnesota won’t be weighed under that apron. This would allow them to do what they need to do to make a Durant trade happen.

While Minnesota would love to keep some combination of Randle, Naz, and NAW; it could be more plausible fans see pieces be moved around so that Durant can play in Minnesota alongside Edwards.

According to multiple reports, spearheaded by Marc Stein, Josh Giddey is commanding a five-year, $120 million extension from the Chicago Bulls. This would see him roughly make $24 million a season.

Last June, Chicago acquired Giddey from the Oklahoma City Thunder, which saw Alex Caruso shipped to OKC – who are now in the NBA Finals.

During the season, the Bulls never offered the 22-year-old a new contract, but that could change due to the way he was playing in those 70 appearances. Many members of the media and fans have said Chicago won that trade.

Giddey averaged 14.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists. It is unclear where his market stands currently, but he is setting the table of making at least $120 million over multiple years from any team who will offer him that type of contract.

According to Marc Stein and Jake Fischer, the Dallas Mavericks have their eyes set on a solid point guard who can fill-in until Kyrie Irving is medically cleared to return from his torn ACL.

Ideally, Dallas wants the future fill-in to be complementary to Irving. This would either be playing alongside the veteran NBA champion or backing the 33-year-old up.

Even with the limited cap room they have, Dallas reportedly will entice players with playing time and having a prove-it situation with their temporary starting role. This could be geared towards veteran athletes who are picking between league minimums that want a legit shot at proving their worth.

Last season, Tyus Jones signed a veteran minimum contract with the Phoenix Suns with the hopes of landing a bigger contract in free agency.

The rumor-mill has already circulated names the Mavericks could land; Chris Paul and Malcolm Brogdon have been listed, as they’ll both be unrestricted free agents this offseason.