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.
