The Los Angeles Lakers aren't actively involved in the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes, but the outcome will affect them. Not having to worry about the superstar joining the West is the ultimate preference, certainly not joining forces with Anthony Edwards on the Timberwolves. The good news is that, based on Jake Fischer's latest for The Stein Line, it doesn't seem like that will happen (subscription required):
Minnesota and Golden State were both prominent Antetokounmpo suitors in February when the Bucks briefly invited trade interest in their Face of the Franchise, but sources say neither team has factored into the Bucks' recent trade talks.
That doesn't mean that the Timberwolves (or the Warriors) won't re-join the mix by aggressively pursuing Antetokounmpo, or at least trying to. It would be quite challenging for Minnesota to put together the kind of package that Milwaukee wants, unless Tim Connelly was willing to give up Anthony Edwards, and that won't happen.
The point of Antetokounmpo going to the Timberwolves would be to play with Edwards, something that we already know the 31-year-old is interested in. That is enough to assume he'd probably sign a long-term deal with Minnesota if a trade happened.
Timberwolves aren't actively part of Giannis trade discussions
Miami and Portland are the two teams that have actively discussed an Antetokounmpo trade with Milwaukee. However, Fischer reported there is "skepticism" that Giannis would sign an extension with the Trail Blazers. The belief is that he wants to stay in the East, which would give him a better chance of winning another title.
That is music to the Lakers' ears, and they can only hope it stays that way as they work to do the same with Luka Dončić after he fell into their lap a year and a half ago. Making it through Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs, as well as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder, will be hard enough without having to worry about Antetokounmpo and the Timberwolves.
Maybe Connelly is working behind the scenes right now, trying to make an Antetokounmpo trade a real possibility for Minnesota. If that is the case, time is ticking, as Milwaukee wants to reach a Giannis resolution before the draft. You can't rule out the Timberwolves just yet, but regardless, their odds don't look great.
Hopefully, it will be the Heat who finally come up big and land the star they want. If not them, then the Celtics. And if, for whatever reason, Antetokounmpo does make his way to the West, keep him away from the Timberwolves. Even the Trail Blazers and the Warriors would be better options.
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