The Minnesota Timberwolves reached the Western Conference semifinals for the third straight year, but another postseason exit has intensified questions about whether the current roster is good enough to compete with the NBA’s new powers in the West.
Minnesota finished 49-33 before losing 4-2 to the San Antonio Spurs in the second round. The series exposed some of the same issues that have followed the franchise over the last two seasons: half-court scoring inconsistency, limited creation beyond Anthony Edwards, and difficulty matching elite offensive firepower over a long playoff series.
That context is why Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to be linked to Minnesota ahead of the offseason.
Speaking on the “Flagrant Howls” podcast, NBA insider Darren Wolfson said the Timberwolves are expected to revisit the possibility of pursuing the Milwaukee Bucks superstar if he becomes available.
Wolfson reported that Antetokounmpo has interest in “a few places” and that Minnesota is believed to be one of them because of the opportunity to team with Edwards. He also stated that Timberwolves president Tim Connelly recognizes “there is a ceiling on this roster” and is expected to pursue major changes again this offseason.
The roster construction supports that evaluation.
Edwards delivered an All-Star caliber season at age 24, averaging 28.8 points while shooting 39.9% from three on high volume. Julius Randle added 21.1 points and 5.0 assists per game, while Rudy Gobert remained productive defensively with 11.5 rebounds and 1.6 blocks.
Minnesota also received strong complementary production from Jaden McDaniels, Naz Reid and Donte DiVincenzo. Even with that depth, the Timberwolves still finished 15 games behind the Oklahoma City Thunder and 13 behind the Spurs in the Western Conference standings.
The playoff matchup against San Antonio further highlighted the gap. The Spurs averaged 122.5 points during their four wins in the series and overwhelmed Minnesota’s defense with pace, spacing and star creation led by Victor Wembanyama.
For Minnesota, adding another elite offensive centerpiece alongside Edwards may be the clearest path toward keeping pace with Oklahoma City and San Antonio over the next several years.
Antetokounmpo would immediately change the equation on both ends of the floor.
The two-time MVP is entering the second season of his three-year, $175 million contract and holds a player option for the final year. Leaguewide expectations continue to point toward Milwaukee seriously considering trade scenarios before the 2026 NBA Draft after the Bucks finished 32-50 and missed the playoffs.
A potential Timberwolves package would likely require multiple core rotation players, future draft assets and salary matching. Minnesota also faces second-apron restrictions, which would complicate any blockbuster construction.
Still, the franchise’s urgency is becoming more visible.
Wolfson also noted that Minnesota’s leadership is focused on maximizing Edwards’ long-term future with the organization. The Timberwolves are not expected to move on from head coach Chris Finch, meaning roster changes are viewed internally as the more realistic solution.
